Native Lens, in partnership with the Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum (SUCCM) and the Pino Nuche Indigenous Art Market, invites the public to an afternoon of storytelling through Indigenous-made short films. The free screening will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 12 – 2 p.m. at the Sky Ute Casino Resort’s Event Center (14324 CO-172, Ignacio, CO 81137).
The showcase brings together a diverse collection of short films that uplift Indigenous voices, traditions, and contemporary issues through visual storytelling. Featuring emerging and established Native filmmakers, the screening highlights the beauty, resilience, and innovation of Indigenous cultures.
“Native Lens is rooted in the Indigenous Communities of the Four Corners Region, and we’re excited to bring these powerful films to the Southern Ute community during the Pino Nuche Indigenous Art Market,” said Native Lens Project Producer Colleen Thurston. “These films are acts of cultural preservation and Narrative Sovereignty. Showing them will be an enjoyable way to celebrate Indigenous storytelling during a weekend focused on Native arts and culture.”
Featured Films Include:
- My Message to You (Dir. ‘Wáats’asdíyei Joe Yates)
A touching message in the Haida language by six-year-old Nayak’aq Yaahl reminds us to stay connected to our ancestors during difficult times.
- WíichkɄ Paa Tukwa PɄni WɄni (Stand, Looking Toward the Future)
(Dirs. Sommer Lopez, Tonya Tolino, Evan Smith, Ellyse Fredericks)
Southern Ute Royalty explore the intersection of leadership, tradition, and the Circle of Life.
- Cut Knife Creek (Dirs. Beric Dean Manywounds, Alanna Bluebird-Onespot, Ben Pipestem, Ryan Von Hagen)
A gripping supernatural tale of seven Tsuut’ina men who encounter dark omens and a fateful Cree camp.
- Titration (Dir. Michael Q. Ceballos)
A critical look at how the Manhattan Project’s legacy still affects Native lands and communities.
- Adziil (Dir. Natalie Benally)
A joyful exploration of dance, identity, and rediscovering one’s passion for life.
- Poetic Sovereignty (Dirs. Kimey Begay, Jaycherie, Leland Collins Jr., Leander Collins)
Esther Belin, Diné poet and educator, teaches how poetry, land, and language intertwine.
- Will Flowers? (Dir. Kay Chan)
Inspired by Kokum’s text message, this poetic film imagines futures rooted in cultural resilience.
- Culture Within the Ice (Dirs. Laelah Jaye-Kizzia, Shannon Spencer, Israel Duran)
A Ute elder mentors youth through the challenges of ice climbing, emphasizing self-love and community strength.
- Native Lens: Darrah Blackwater (Dir. Darrah Blackwater)
A law school graduate speaks out about the lack of internet access in rural Indigenous communities.
- Paddle Tribal Waters (Dirs. Paul Robert Wolf Wilson, Rush Sturges)
A group of Native youth train to be the first to paddle the restored Klamath River, post-dam removal.
- Tony (Dir. Christian JA Bryant)
A personal reflection on growth, accountability, and healing through life’s challenges.
- Setting The Table (Dirs. Kyle Bell, Tanaya Winder)
From survival to cultural resurgence, this film shows how Native peoples have reclaimed identity and strength.
Plus: Surprise short films to be announced!
About Native Lens:
Native Lens is a collaborative film and video storytelling project hosted by KSUT Tribal Radio and Rocky Mountain PBS, dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices from across North America. A platform for connection and storytelling, Native Lens has grown into a community-driven training center, fellowship program, and digital platform stewarded by Indigenous creatives. Native Lens showcases film and media pieces produced by Native storytellers and filmmakers and is committed to celebrating the depth, diversity, and richness of Indigenous perspectives.
Admission is free and open to the public. Seating first come, first served.