Sedona, AZ: The Sedona International Film Festival is honored to team up with the Festival of Native American Culture to open the week-long celebration with three nights of film on June 5, 6 and 7. The first Native American Film Festival will present an outstanding array of films by or about Native Americans. As a special added feature, each program on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will begin with short subjects from the Yavapai-Apache Nation Digital Storytelling Project.
The weekend will open on Friday night, June 5, at the Clark Memorial Clubhouse in Clarkdale with a two-film package: Turquoise Rose, the feature film, preceded by A Gift From Talking God: The Story of the Navajo Churro.
From the award winning Holt Hamilton Productions comes Turquoise Rose, the film that has taken the Navajo Nation by surprise. The young and charming Turquoise Roanhorse turns down a once in a lifetime trip to Europe with her best friend. This choice chases her back to the reservation where she finds herself taking care of her ailing grandmother and where she falls in love with a rez boy. The beauty of the people and the land combine to make this film a memorable journey that will find its way into your heart. Writer/Director/Producer Travis Holt Hamilton will be in present to host the Q&A.
Director Peter Blystone will host A Gift From Talking God. To Navajo people in the American southwest, 'Sheep is Life.' The Navajo-Churro sheep is the original breed which sustained the Navajo, Pueblo, and Hispanic people for nearly 400 years. On the verge of extinction a generation ago, the Navajo-Churro is making a comeback to the Navajo people, ensuring the survival of the breed and the rich heritage associated with it. This breed has been recognized by Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity as a culturally and historically important animal worthy of international recognition. This film offers a rarely seen cultural portrait of traditional Navajo lifeways and sustainable herding practices.
On Saturday, June 6, there will be dinner and a movie at the Radisson Poco Diablo Resort with Academy Award-winner Michael Blake. The Oscar-winning author and screenwriter of Dances With Wolves will show and discuss his new documentary The American West: On the Road with Michael Blake, in which he embarks on a road trip through the American West exploring historic battle sites and places of conflict between Whites and Indians. Through the unique lens of this impassioned storyteller, viewers gain a fresh look at the people, events and landscapes that shaped our country. Joining him will be the film’s director, Emmy Award® winner John Carver. Seating is limited at this very special event, so reserve your seats early!
