10 · 10 · 05

The project Native Networks of what Indigenous Means and Indigenists.

Clara Sánchez / 10 octubre 2005

This website features a catalogue containing the 500 works of film that have been exhibited at the NMAI. The Center´s Native Networks Website has four goals: “To provide a representation of current work in the field of Native American media including film, video, radio, television and new media; to provide information to the public about the outstanding media productions which have been presented in the museum´s programs; to provide the FVC and NMAI a way to maintain regular and frequent contact with the community of Native American independent media producers; and to provide a space for Native media makers to exchange ideas and to gather professional information.”

Berger added that the Projects main goal is to promote Indigenous film and media. First nations, first features showcases the work of Native directors. “We need go beyond documentaries that are about them. Its important to see through their eyes, to let them tell their story.”

Jorge Ayala Blanco, film critic and historian, pointed out that El rey de Zinacantán, by Chiapas director Antonio Coello Rodríguez, was one of the greatest revelations at last year’s Morelia Film Fest. “The film is an illustration of an indigenous myth, told the way an indigenous person would tell it. Most Mexican films portray indigenous people as part of our nations folklore. We need to change that.”

Blackhorse Lowe, director of the feature film The Fifth World, emphasized that this film genre needs to be backed up: “90 per cent of the films made in the US are trash. These projects need backing, even if they have low budgets and are made with borrowed cameras. They’re authentic, in the end.”