50th Seattle International Film Festival Celebrates Indigenous Filmmakers with the return of 4th World Media Lab & cINeDIGENOUS program

SEATTLE – The 50th Seattle International Film Festival will see the return of 4th World Media Lab and the Festival’s cINeDIGENOUS program, amplifying Indigenous filmmakers from across the globe. The cINeDIGENOUS program will screen films throughout the Festival from May 9-19 at venues across Seattle. 

In its 10th year, the 4th World Media Lab provides Indigenous media creators a progressive immersion into film learning and industry exploration through a cultural lens. In partnership with global Indigenous organizations and industry experts, 4th World offers the fellows a master class of hands-on experiences, producer coaching, pitch training, community centered gatherings, and global networking in the SIFF urban festival atmosphere. In addition to the Seattle International Film Festival, the lab includes residencies with Big Sky Documentary Film Festival and Camden International Film Festival.

Seattle International Film Festival Programmer Tracy Rector has been a pivotal part of developing Indigenous educational workshops, supporting Indigenous-led community events and film presentations at the Festival for 19 years. With the return of the 4th World Media Lab and cINeDIGENOUS program to this year’s festival, Tracy continues to uplift, amplify and celebrate Indigenous made stories and filmmakers.

“SIFF has been an incredible partner over the last two decades, standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples globally by spotlighting their films, perspectives and helping them to access resources for their work, career and communities.” says Rector, global Indigenous content programmer. 

The cINeDIGENOUS program has a total of 11 features and 1 short film program in this year’s Festival, which include films and insights from Indigenous artists across the globe. As core to our mission, this annual program has centered the works and experiences of Indigenous filmmakers for two decades.

SIFF 2024 cINeDIGENOUS Program Highlights

Bring Them Home (USA/Canada 2024 , 85 min., d: Ivan MacDonald (Blackfeet), Ivy MacDonald (Blackfeet), Daniel Glick)
Molokaʻi Bound (USA 2024,  112 min., d: Alika Tengan (Kanaka Maoli)) - World Premiere
Moving Poetry: Indigenous Stories (Short Film Program, 69 min.)
Standing Above The Clouds (USA 2024, 83 min., d: Jalena Keane-Lee) - World Premiere 
Sugarcane (USA/Canada 2024,  107 min., d: Julian Brave NoiseCat (Secwepemc Nation), Emily Kassie)
The Tundra Within Me (Norway 2023, 95 min., d: Sara Margrethe Oskal (Sámi))

4th World Media Lab 2024 Fellows

Victoria Cheyenne - Aymara, El Alto Bolivia / Tsétsêhéstâhese, Northern Cheyenne | Montana
Keisha Erwin - Woodland Cree, Lac La Ronge Indian Band | Saskatchewan
Cass Gardiner - Anishinaabe Algonquin, Kebaowek First Nation | New Jersey
Nicolle L. Gonzales (Arthun) - Diné, Navajo Nation | New Mexico
Bruce Thomas Miller - Anishinaabe, Matachewan First Nation | Alberta
Sisa Quispe - Quechua Aymara | New York

The 50th Seattle International Film Festival screens in theaters across the city May 9–19, followed by a week of select films streaming on the SIFF Channel May 20–27.

Passes and ticket packages are on sale now at siff.net/passes. Individual tickets will go on sale to SIFF members on April 17, and to the general public on April 18.

Press inquiries, materials, and interview requests can be made at press@siff.net.

# # #

About SIFF: 
Beginning in 1976 with the annual Seattle International Film Festival, then expanding into year-round programming, SIFF is a 501c3 cultural arts organization whose mission is to create experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world. It is through the art of cinema that SIFF fosters a community that is more informed, aware and alive.

In its four theaters, SIFF offers year-round screenings, Film Talks and a series of spotlight festivals throughout the year. SIFF also serves the community through educational programs and SIFFsupports, a partnership program that hosts and provides technical support to a variety of special screenings and festivals.

For showtimes and event updates, visit siff.net.