SIFF and Nia Tero Launch the First-Ever cINeDIGENOUS Summer Film & Drive-In Series

SEATTLE—Friday, August 6, 2021—Nia Tero and SIFF are thrilled to present the first-ever cINeDIGENOUS Summer Film & Drive-In Series! The series is part of the year-round cINeDIGENOUS program launched by the two organizations earlier this year. Through cINeDIGENOUS, Nia Tero and SIFF strive to uplift, amplify, and celebrate Indigenous voices and stories, and make them accessible to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples here in Coast Salish territory and beyond. The summer film series features screenings of Indigenous-made films from around the world and all events are free and open to the public.

Spotlighting the series this summer are two coming-of-age feature films. Tracey Deer’s festival hit Beans is the story of a 12-year-old girl during the Oka Crisis, the turbulent Indigenous uprising that tore Quebec and Canada apart for 78 tense days in the summer of 1990. Taika Waititi’s BOY is a sweet, funny, and fresh look at growing up as an 11-year-old Maori kid. Two short films will precede the screenings of BOY—Kapaemahu, an animated short set on Waikiki Beach, and Huia, about a ballerina who blends traditional pointe ballet with dancing channeled from her Indigenous roots.

“These personal and transformative coming-of-age films are examples of unforgettable storytelling and are powerful reminders of why community-driven stories matter and can be oh so good. Join us this month in uplifting and celebrating these powerful voices and be prepared to laugh, cry and get angry all in one sitting!” said Tracy Rector, Managing Director of Storytelling at Nia Tero.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Nia Tero on these incredible films as part of cINeDIGENOUS,” said Beth Barrett, SIFF Artistic Director. “The act of seeing films in community is indeed transformative, and bringing together all of our communities is so important now, and always.”

The first event takes place tonight, August 6th at the Omak Stampede in Omak, Washington, with a screening of Beans, and continues with additional events at the Omak Stampede, Seattle Center’s Movies at the Mural, and Alma Mater Tacoma throughout the month of August.

Read on for more about the cINeDIGENOUS Summer Film Series and stay tuned for more cINeDIGENOUS Virtual Classroom events coming this fall, focused on Indigenous Latinx filmmakers.

EVENT SCHEDULE & FREE TICKET REGISTRATION
Friday, August 6 · Omak Stampede: Beans
Saturday, August 7 · Omak Stampede: BOY + short films
Friday, August 20 · Movies at the Mural at Seattle Center: BOY
Friday, August 20 · Alma Mater Tacoma: Beans
Saturday, August 21 · Alma Mater Tacoma: BOY + short films

ABOUT THE FILMS
Beans: Dir. Tracey Deer (Mohawk), Canada, 92 min.
A 12-year-old Mohawk girl’s coming of age story and political awakening during the Oka Crisis. Tracy Deer’s fresh voice reminds us of the importance of authentic representation and culturally specific storytelling in cinema. Drawing upon her documentary roots and her experience growing up in the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, Deer delivers a timely film grounded in authentic history. Watch the Trailer >>

BOY: Dir. Taika Waititi, New Zealand, 87 min.
Boy is an 11-year-old Maori kid and avid Michael Jackson fan, waiting for his father to break out of prison and take him to the King of Pop’s big show. However, reality falls somewhat short of the fantasy. A sweet, funny, and fresh look at growing up—whatever your age. Courtesy of Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission.
Watch the Trailer >>

Kapaemahu: Dir. Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu (Kanaka Maoli), Dean Hamer, Joe WIlson; USA; 9 min.
Long ago, four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit brought the healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii. The name of their leader was Kapaemahu. Beloved by the people for their gentle ways and miraculous cures, they imbued four giant boulders with their powers. The stones still stand on what is now Waikiki Beach, but the true story behind them has been hidden —until now.
Watch the Trailer >>

Huia: Dir. Cian Elyse White (Ngāti Awa/Ngāti Poro), Joshua Manyheads (Siksika); New Zealand; 8 min.
Huia dreams to be a principal ballerina for the country’s top academy. During her audition, an unexpected visitor shows up during her final bid to impress. Only this time, her ancestors are the audience.

ABOUT cINeDIGENOUS
The cINeDIGENOUS year-round film presentations and classes focus on global Indigenous filmmakers’ influences within cinematic culture. Centering Indigenous creatives and media makers amplifies voices and perspectives that are essential to our global wellbeing. cINeDIGENOUS is curated and presented by SIFF in partnership with Nia Tero with the purpose to create awareness and access to Indigenous-made stories and worldviews.

ABOUT NIA TERO
Nia Tero is a US-based non-profit working in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and movements worldwide with a mission of securing Indigenous guardianship of vital ecosystems. We are committed to an antiracist and inclusive culture centering Indigenous rights, wisdom, practices, worldviews, and protocols.
Website: www.niatero.org | Facebook: @NiaTero | Twitter: @NiaTero | Instagram: @niatero

ABOUT SIFF
SIFF believes in film’s unique power to share original stories, diverse perspectives, and rich emotional journeys. Beginning in 1976 with the annual Seattle International Film Festival, then expanding into year-round programming, and our five-screen SIFF Cinema, we have offered experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world for nearly five decades. Our audiences allow us to take risks, host complex conversations, and truly appreciate film.
Website: www.siff.net | Facebook: /SIFFnews | Twitter: @SIFFnews | Instagram: @SIFFnews | YouTube: /SIFFnews