The First Annual Navajo Nation Film Festival drew large audiences as filmmakers strived to share stories through Native voices.
Nine Navajo filmmakers showcased their stories and talent at the first Navajo Nation Film Festival, Sept. 5 and 6, during the Navajo Nation Fair. Hosted at the Navajo Nation Museum and RGR Theatre, the festival ran from 3-7 p.m., offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience Navajo storytelling through the power of film – most of it presented in the Navajo language.
One of the films from the festival was “Are You Serious,” a 23-minute narrative directed, written and produced by Navajo filmmaker George R. Joe. “Are You Serious,” Joe’s first film, told the story of Dugasse Smith, a light-skinned, half-white Navajo man who returns to his roots to revive his late grandmother’s café.
Joe’s film, presented mostly in the Navajo language, was part of a project funded by the Navajo Nation Film Office. “This project is significant, not just for me, but for our entire community,” he said. “Using film to revitalize and preserve the Navajo language is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.”
Joe, who also served as a Navajo language consultant for AMC’s Dark Winds (Season 2), brings more than 25 years of experience in media affairs, marketing and publishing. His extensive work with Navajo culture includes his role as founder of NavajoGuide.com, a travel website and app promoting Navajo heritage.
James Bilagody, who portrayed Hastiin Gah, the tough and traditional Navajo elder, brought his years of experience to the role. Bilagody, a renowned Navajo recording artist, actor and advocate, has played notable roles in indigenous films such as The Blue Gap Boyz and Legends from the Sky. His involvement in the Navajo-language dub of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, is a hallmark of his career, he says.
The lead role of Dugasse Smith was played by Dustyn Horse, a fluent Navajo speaker and actor from Sweetwater. Horse has appeared in productions such as Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga and Sydney Freeland’s REZBALL.
Valerie Saunders, a performer and screenwriter, portrayed a tourist in the film. With an extensive career in theater, television and film, Saunders has performed with the Eagles and was on the set of Tombstone.
The First Annual Navajo Nation Film Festival drew large audiences as filmmakers strived to share stories through Native voices. FBN
Courtesy Photo: Grant recipients created films, largely presented in the Navajo language.