Representation matters. It matters because it impacts how we interact with our fellow Americans, the way that we educate our children, and it shapes our path forward as a democracy. For 10 years, the Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival has put that idea on the screen in Richmond, Virginia.
Premieres you won’t see anywhere else
Four works make their world premiere in Richmond: the action drama Two Blood, the student drama Time After Time, the sci-fi horror short The Disconnect and Tribal Highways, a Muppet-style program for children. Eight more are Virginia premieres, including Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising, AKI, The Doctrine, No Greater Act: Pueblo Resistance, Nine Little Indians and Breakpoint: The Untold Story of the Constitution Express. The Good Canadian makes its U.S. East Coast premiere.
Many screenings bring the filmmakers to Richmond. Scheduled guests include Tanya Talaga with Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising, Darlene Naponse with AKI, Jhane Myers with No Greater Act, Pura Fé and Gwendolen Cates with The Doctrine, Jack Kohler with Two Blood and Shannon Kring with Nine Little Indians. On Thursday afternoon, Lyla June delivers the festival’s keynote address, and on Friday filmmakers gather for a panel discussion.
Festivalgoers watch a screening at the Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival. (Photo by Pat Jarrett, Virginia Humanities)
A free day for families
On Saturday, November 21, the festival opens its doors to everyone with a free Family Powwow. Dancing, drumming and hoop dancing fill the VMFA Atrium starting at 10:30 a.m., alongside a hands-on session on seed saving and food sovereignty for families. At noon, Tribal Highways makes its world premiere for young audiences.
Crowds fill the atrium for a dance performance at the Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival. (Photo by Pat Jarrett, Virginia Humanities)
Why Virginia
The Festival aims to raise awareness about Native American language, cultures, and societies through films that share Native American perspectives. The Festival, which is the only one of its kind on the East Coast, brings together artists, authors, cineastes, and actors who share a passion for film and features experiential learning opportunities for the entire public.
It is befitting that this important East Coast American Indian film festival is held in Virginia. Long before English settlers first arrived to establish the Jamestown settlement, Native Americans inhabited the land that would become the birthplace of our nation. Upon their arrival, Native Americans shared their mastery of the land with the English settlers and ultimately ensured the Colony’s survival. In 1619 Virginia, three cultures collided: Virginia Indian, African, and English. The interactions between these cultures forged what would eventually become the United States and demonstrate that diversity has always been an integral part of the American story.
A flute performance at the Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival. (Photo by Pat Jarrett, Virginia Humanities)
Through the Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival, we hope to raise visibility around the need for more diversity in film, as well as elevate the perspectives of Native Americans in society.
Get your tickets
Tickets range from $30 to $150, and Saturday’s Family Powwow events are free. Friday evening closes with a VIP reception and music performance at VMHC.
ICT readers: Use code ICT20 at checkout to save on VIP tickets and weekend passes.
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