Native Short Film Festival

Year created: 2023 

Run time: 13 minutes

Contact: [email protected]

IG handle: https://www.instagram.com/charinepilar/

Film description: I wrote and directed River Bank (Pō-Kehgeh) after the sudden passing of my younger brother, Tyler. He was 19 years old and serving in the military. His death was one of the most devastating things I’ve ever experienced. During those early moments of grief, I leaned into the traditions of my Tewa people.

One place where I can express my grief openly is the Rio Grande, whose waters cut through San Ildefonso Pueblo. When we greet the river, we bless ourselves with the river water. The protagonist of my film, Tisha, also struggles with grief and guilt, but she finds a way to give back to her community by embracing her Tewa values. River Bank (Pō-Kehgeh) is about my love for my Tewa people and my wish for us to heal as a community from intergenerational grief. In the film, Tisha blesses herself with the River water, and the River becomes her guide. Together, they give to the Tewa people.

River Bank (Pō-Kehgeh) is the first narrative fiction film approved by San Ildefonso Pueblo to be filmed on Tribal lands since the 1980’s. I made this film in hopes of inspiring more storytellers from my Pueblo. River Bank (Pō-Kehgeh) is told using an Indigenous story structure, inspired by traditional Tewa stories. I’m so grateful to have support from my family and community. This film would not exist without them.

I dedicate this film to my younger brother, Tyler, because his memory lives in my heart forever. He is now home with the clay and the earth, and I miss him tremendously, but I know he is proud of me. One day, I will return to the clay and the earth, too. River Bank (Pō-Kehgeh) is my debut narrative fiction short film, and I’m so proud of how much this film and I have grown together.

Year created: 2023

Run time: 21:20 minutes 

Contact: [email protected]

IG handle: https://www.instagram.com/khaymanjane/

Film description: Goodsky’s films contain lessons and values she learned from sitting and visiting with her grandfather Cedric-iban Littlewolf.

Year created: 2025

Run time: 12 minutes 

Contact: [email protected]

IG handle: https://www.instagram.com/lorenkwaters/

Film description: Dana Tiger is one of the happiest people you will ever meet. Our souls vibrantly crossed paths a few years ago, but it also could have been lifetimes ago. I saw myself in her paintings and was drawn to her caring energy. This film beautifully unfolded like how light travels. Quickly, intentionally, brightly, and shockingly. Dana’s story leaves you hanging on to every word. She takes you through deep loss and tragedy, but also great joy of her family’s history. There is nobody like the Tiger family and what they have done for the art world. It’s an immense honor for me to bring this story to life.

Year created: 2015

Run time: 10 minutes 

Film description: The film, based on an Ojibwe traditional story, was written by Anna Gibbs and produced by Heid E. Erdich. It was animated by Jonathan Thunder in 2015.

Year created: 2023

Run time: 8 minutes

Contact: [email protected]

IG handle: https://www.instagram.com/ajuawak/

Film description: A comedian learns that quitting smoking will become the greatest joke of his life. A Red Eagle Soaring film production. Directed by Ajuawak Kapashesit. Written by Ajuawak Kapashesit and Jeff Barehand. Produced by Red Eagle Soaring and Sky Bear Media.

Year created: 2023

Run time: 10 minutes 

Film description: It is estimated that there are less than 1,000 native speakers of the Ojibwe language remaining in the U.S. Filmmaker Ajuawak Kapashesit follows language keepers in Minnesota as they preserve the language from their elders. Can new technologies like social media and video games inspire a new generation to preserve Ojibwe language and traditions?