by Cindy Lewis
Daily Lobo
It's not too often indigenous cultures get to tell their story on the silver screen. Starting this month, in celebration of its 75th anniversary, the Anthropology Department will present those stories in the International Indigenous Film Festival.
"The Fast Runner (Atanarjuat)" a film based on an Inuit legend, will be the first of the three films shown in the festival this Thursday at Madstone Theatre.
Director Zacharias Kunuk, winner of the Golden Camera Prize for first-time directors at the 2001 International Cannes Film Festival, along with cinematographer/producer Norman Cohn, will speak about the film Friday at noon at Hibben Center. However, a Canadian blizzard might prevent them from making it to the screening on Thursday, said Beverly Singer, associate professor of Anthropology and Native American Studies.
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The entire crew and cast of "The Fast Runner" are Artic Inuits from Igloolik.
"It ("The Fast Runner") is an epic film that tells the historical story of the Inuits in Northern Canada, prior to any other European contact," Singer said. "It relays and recounts the story of two brothers and their destiny. This film gives us a very personal exploration of how other societies established ground rules for life."
Kunuk was asked to speak at many universities across the country, but chose UNM and Harvard, Singer said.
Singer, along with Associate Professor of Anthropology Ann Ramenofsky, organized the film festival. They arranged for "The Fast Runner" to be shown at Madstone Theatre in the hope that more of the general public might come.
"Madstone allows for community involvement with a focus on independent films," Singer said.
Singer, a director and videographer herself, uses visual media as a research tool to teach about indigenous people, especially Native Americans.
"I'm hoping students learn to use images in an educational and informed, respectful way," she said.
UNM will present two other indigenous films in March and April.
"Mauri," a film directed by Meralta Mita of New Zealand will be shown in March. The film presents the fictional story of a Maori man living in colonial society and explores the history of the Maori people.
"Honey Moccasin," a film directed by Shelley Niro, a Quinte Bay Mohawk of Canada, will be shown in April. Her film talks on several levels of cultural theft when Pow Wow regalia is stolen from a native community.
Screenings of "Mauri" and "Honey Moccasin" will be held at UNM and Niro and Mita will be present to speak about their films.
In addition to the three screenings, the Anthropology Department will hold an Indigenous Filmmakers Roundtable in April. Groups from high schools around the state will be invited to learn about the art of indigenous films.
Proceeds from ticket sales will help create a permanent fund to support anthropology graduate students at UNM.
The What, When and Where
What: "The Fast Runner (Atanarjuat)"
When: Thursday, Jan. 29 6 p.m.
Price: $12 students, $20 adults
Where: Madstone Theater
6311 San Mateo Blvd.
Tickets and info: 872-4000
