August 1, 2021
Nia Tero and SIFF Present the cINeDIGENOUS Summer Film Series
Nia Tero and SIFF are thrilled to present the first-ever cINeDIGENOUS Summer Film & Drive-In Series! The series is part of the year-round cINeDIGENOUS program launched earlier this year. Through cINeDIGENOUS, Nia Tero and SIFF strive to uplift, amplify, and celebrate Indigenous voices and stories, and make them accessible to Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples in Coast Salish territory and beyond. The summer film series features screenings of Indigenous-made films from around the world and all events are free and open to the public.
Spotlighting the series this summer are two coming-of-age feature films. Tracey Deer’s festival hit Beans is the story of a 12-year-old girl during the Oka Crisis, the turbulent Indigenous uprising that tore Quebec and Canada apart for 78 tense days in the summer of 1990. Taika Waititi’s BOY is a sweet, funny, and fresh look at growing up as an 11-year-old Maori kid. Two short films will precede the screenings of BOY—Kapaemahu, an animated short set on Waikiki Beach, and Huia, about a ballerina who blends traditional pointe ballet with dancing channeled from her Indigenous roots.
Photo by Felipe Contreras at the Omak Stampede cINeDIGENOUS Drive-In event on August 6, 2021.
“These personal and transformative coming-of-age films are examples of unforgettable storytelling and are powerful reminders of why community-driven stories matter and can be oh so good. Join us this month in uplifting and celebrating these powerful voices and be prepared to laugh, cry and get angry all in one sitting!” said Tracy Rector, Managing Director of Storytelling at Nia Tero.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Nia Tero on these incredible films as part of cINeDIGENOUS,” said Beth Barrett, SIFF Artistic Director. “The act of seeing films in community is indeed transformative, and bringing together all of our communities is so important now, and always.”
The first weekend events took place at the Omak Stampede in Omak, Washington and screenings will continue with additional events at the Seattle Center’s Movies at the Mural and Alma Mater Tacoma on August 20 and 21.
UPCOMING EVENT SCHEDULE & FREE TICKET REGISTRATION
Friday, August 20 · Movies at the Mural at Seattle Center: BOY
Friday, August 20 · Alma Mater Tacoma: Beans
Saturday, August 21 · Alma Mater Tacoma: BOY + short films