Bill Means Emcees American Indian Movement International Film Festival

Native News Network Staff in Entertainment. Discussion »

SAN FRANCISCO – AIM-West will host the American Indian Movement International Film Festival on Indigenous Peoples day. The film festival offers an important educational alternative to the stories typically associated with the national celebration of Columbus Day in the United States, and what it means to Indigenous Peoples throughout the Americas.

Bill Means, American Indian Movement

The program begins with traditional dance, drumming and songs prior to the opening. The emcee for this event will be nationally known American Indian Movement leader, Bill Means.

The films selected for this year's festival exemplifies the legacy and spiritual movement of resistance, and the fight for self-determination found among indigenous peoples throughout the globe. The films will bring to light the scope and diversity of Indigenous peoples who claim their inherent rights throughout the world, documenting the strategies they are using, from armed resistance to the electoral process, to secure recognition of their rights, including treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements made between nation/states and Indigenous peoples.

The AIM-WEST International Film Festival brings a new sense of urgency to these struggles, especially in light of the global challenges of climate change, migration, poverty and social justice. Through these films AIM-WEST seeks to demonstrate the common bond between all Indigenous peoples as they struggle for equal justice and freedom.

This year the AIM-WEST International Film Festival will screen contemporary, provocative and interesting films. For example, we have included two Burmese films that depict political prisoners held there (and 'ethnic minorities' aka Indigenous). One is about the multitude of prisoners held by the dictatorship, and another about the Nobel Peace Prize winner of 1991, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, who was recently released from 15 years under house arrest and just elected to the country's Parliament.

Ironically, Ms. Suu Kyi will grace us with her presence in San Francisco on Saturday, September 29th. We expect that her arrival in town will increase interest and attendance at the AIM-WEST Film Festival.

Another recent film to be screened and highly recommended is Crooked Arrows about the sport of La Crosse, the game of life, heart, and spirit of the Onondaga. AIM-West will host the American Indian Movement International Film Festival on Friday, October 12. There will be vendors, food and refreshments, bring the family and kids! Tickets are $12 at the door, sliding scale, no one turned away! Donations accepted.

What:
American Indian Movement International Film Festival

WHEN:
Friday, October 12

WHERE:
Brava Women's Theater
2781- 24TH Street
San Francisco's Mission District

posted September 25, 2012 8:20 am edt