Film Review

A Horse to See

Monica Whitepigeon in Entertainment. Discussion »

Red Ant Films Studio Production

In general, any film not in English is usually considered "foreign." Little does the public remember that "foreign" speakers have always been around in America and have their own stories to tell. The film industry, in particular, is thought of only to commence in Hollywood. But this did not stop a young Navajo woman with a vision of sharing her native language through film.

Melissa Henry, Navajo, has been making films for years with her husband/producer/co-director Alfredo Perez. Together, they began the Red Ant Films studio that makes independent, low-budget, and award-winning films.

Available on DVD this Month

In 2007, Henry debuted the first of a three-part series of films called "Horse You See." It is a short film told entirely from a horse's perspective and in Diné bizaad or the Navajo language. Through careful cinematography, the horse's personality comes to life not only through the voice-over but through his movements and actions as well. The horse is very proud of his lineage, his beauty, and the whole Navajo countryside so much that he even ends the film with a song.

Since then, Henry has gone on to win grants and awards for her films. She has been able to finish the series with "Blue Heeler: A Navajo Sheepdog," and "A History of Navajo Wool: As Told by BaaBaa."

Many baby-boomers will remember the "Mr. Ed," a popular sitcom from the 1960s about a talking horse. "Horse to See" is reminiscent of that show, but this time a dark horse who speaks and sings in the Navajo language.

Recently, "Horse You See" has been released onto DVD and is available for the holidays.

posted December 14, 2011 6:00 am est