The Native Lens Symposium took place on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 at Fort Lewis College. On day two, participants heard from panelists Kino Benally, Sabrina Saleha, and Mandolin Rain Song, learning about different Indigenizing storytelling forms, finding funding, connecting with on-set jobs or internships, and networking. Native Lens is a film and video initiative dedicated to celebrating and amplifying Indigenous voices.
Charine Pilar Gonzales (Tewa Filmmaker) along with Colleen Thurston (Choctaw media producer and documentary filmmaker) welcome everyone to the symposium.
Kree Lopez (Native Lens Editor and Community Liaison), speaks about her role in and the filming of “The Basket Woman” with the Ute Mountain Ute Community and the various aspects of filming on tribal lands.
Participating industry representatives from Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media; Rocky Mountain PBS; Durango Independent Film Festival; and Vision Maker Media and other industry professionals introduce themselves and meet with Indigenous filmmakers and storytellers during lunch on Saturday, June 28 at Fort Lewis College. The two-day symposium is the first of its kind in Colorado, providing vital resources and opportunities for Indigenous creators at all stages of their careers.
Weenuche Smoke Signals staff members, Ayesha Clark – Director, Steffina Kingsley – Journalist, and Kayce Tom - Journalist from Towaoc, Colo., were present for the Native Lens Symposium at Fort Lewis College, Sat., June 28.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
