Although she’s been in training since the day she was born, Mytia Zavala thought she’d have more time before she stepped into her dad’s shoes. But that all changed when her father, Michael Smith, founder of the American Indian Film Institute (AIFI) passed into the spirit realm suddenly in February of 2018. Through AIFI, Smith championed Native voices in film and fought for their place in a media world that historically excluded them.
Last spring, as Zavala and her family navigated their grief, they also had to decide what to do with the upcoming American Indian Film Festival (AIFF).
“We were always going to continue on with the festival. It has been such a big part of our family,” said Zavala, who is now the executive director of AIFI. ”I’ve worked alongside with my dad all my life. He taught me everything I know. I am honored to continue in his footsteps and present a festival our native community can be proud of.”
As a result, the festival will celebrate its 43rd year Nov. 7-11 at Brava Theater, and by all appearances Smith’s legacy is robust. Organized into seven programs, the festival includes 42 films ranging from features, documentaries, animation, and music videos. Eleven of the films will have their world premier at the festival.
On Nov. 8, the festival moves to the Brick & Mortar Music Hall where it shines a spotlight on the people behind and in front of the cameras with awards going to 10 categories. The night features comedy by Jackie Keliiaa, and music by Thunderbirds Raised Her as well as Classic Roots, offering a blend of electronica and pow wow techno sound.
Two Canadian features are up for “best film.” Both star young, strong female lead characters facing nature’s treacherous side while pulling from unlimited inner strength. “Kayak to Klemtu” tells the current-day story of a teenager determined to testify against a proposed pipeline that threatens her beloved waterways. In order to do so she must travel more than 300 miles by kayak with her eccentric family. “Angelique’s Isle” is based on the true story of Angelique Mott, a young Ojibway newlywed who becomes stranded with her husband during a brutal storm in 1845 during the copper rush around Lake Superior.
Four films are up for best documentary feature: “Dawnland,” “Innu Nikamu: Resist and Sing,” “More than a Word,” and “Warrior Women.” They cover themes ranging from the removal of Indigenous children from their families to traditional music healing a community torn apart by the trauma of residential schools to Native American mascots and cultural appropriation to women balancing motherhood and activism. There are also awards for best animation and music video.
A daytime program on Friday, Nov. 9, was organized to appeal to educators and students. Tickets are $5. “Each of the films involves a component of the communities that surround us. It brings culture, creativity, education, tribal and non-tribal communities together to celebrate the art of narrative and Native people on the big screen,” said Zavala.
The AIFI was established by Smith during a time when Native activism was a constant news topic. The American Indian Movement (AIM), founded in 1968, became a leading force addressing sovereign rights and racism against Native people. The occupations of Alcatraz in 1969, the 1970 Mount Rushmore and 1973 Wounded Knee followed along with a 1972 cross-country caravan drawing attention to the long history of broken treaties.
While recent events such as the struggle against sports mascots that negatively stereotype Native Americans and the 2016 battle over the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) have thrust modern-day Native activism to the forefront of the news cycle once again, it can be argued that many people still think of Indians as a thing of the past, culturally epitomized in the “noble savage” iconography. The AIFI serves as a major counterweight to those stereotypes by bringing the full spectrum of contemporary Native American life and culture to the public, and by providing historical context for their centuries long fight for justice, all from an insider perspective.
And though the loss of Michael Smith is great, many are confident his legacy will remain strong.
“For decades, under the guidance of Michael Smith, The American Indian Film Institute has been a tireless supporter of both established Native Filmmakers and aspiring ones through its Film Festival and Tribal Touring Program,” said Randy Redroad, a filmmaker and member of the StyleHorse Collective media group, which focuses on Native storytelling. “We are saddened by the passing of Michael, but know the festival is in good hands and will be led into a bright future with Mytia at the helm.”
[su_box title=”The 43rd Annual American Indian Film Festival”]Nov. 7 – 11 various times Brava Theater • 2781 24th St, SF Awards Night Nov. 8 at 8pm Brick & Mortar Music Hall • 1710 Mission St. SF Info & ticket: www.aifisf.com[/su_box]