U of M's American Indian Cultural House to host film series

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/13/2012) —The University of Minnesota’s American Indian Cultural House will host the third annual American Indian Film Series, with screenings Feb. 16, March 20 and April 19. The series aims to help raise awareness and celebrate the works of American Indian and First Nation films that challenge racial stereotypes.

The development of this series is also intended to provide leadership opportunities to students participating in the American Indian Cultural House. Students gain experience in organizing community events and building collaborations with other departments and student organizations.

The theme for this year’s series is “Misappropriation of Culture.”

“In Whose Honor?” (6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16)
The first film in the series takes a critical look at the long-running practice of “honoring” Native American Indians by using them as mascots and nicknames in sports. In this moving and award-winning documentary, Native Americans speak out about the hurtful and harmful effects of stereotyped sports images on both Natives and non-Natives alike.

“Edward S. Curtis: Coming to the Light” (6 p.m. Tuesday, March 20)
The series’ middle film explores the history of Edward Sheriff Curtis’ accumulated works. Called the “Shadow Catcher” by some tribes, Curtis took over 40,000 images and recorded rare ethnographic information from over eighty American Indian tribal groups, ranging from the Eskimo or Inuit people of the far north to the Hopi people of the Southwest.

“Reel Injun: On the Trail of the Hollywood Indian” (6 p.m. Thursday, April 19)
The series finale is an entertaining and insightful look at the Hollywood Indian, exploring the portrayal of North American Natives through a century of cinema. Traveling through the heartland of America and into the Canadian North, Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond looks at how the myth of “the Injun” has influenced the world’s understanding – and misunderstanding – of Natives.

Each screening is free and open to the public. They will be held at the Rapson Hall Auditorium, located at 89 Church St. S.E. on the university’s Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. Light refreshments will be served at 5:30 p.m. before each show.