NORTH DAKOTA
HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL 2018 Film Festival Guide
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival
2018 Film Festival Guide Welcome When we started this journey in November 2016, we had a simple goal: to provide a forum for filmmakers and artists who were documenting human rights violations and social injustices through their work. As we reflect on the world, our nation and our state in 2018, it’s clear that continuing to provide this forum of ideas, perspective, education and information is as important today as it was then. We weren’t sure what kind of response we would get to the first film festival of its kind in North Dakota. We were pleasantly surprised. Our first evening of screenings had only individual seats open, and our subsequent screenings were sold out. Due to that extreme interest, I’m excited to share that the festival has extended this year to include two additional cities in North Dakota. The films you’ll see this week in Grand Forks, Bismarck and Fargo include work from North Dakota, from across the country and from around the world. We’re grateful to be able to represent so many different viewpoints. The final schedule of 30 films represents 10 countries. On behalf of the entire team, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the second annual North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival. Thank you for supporting the important work of these filmmakers and the humanitarian efforts they document. We hope you enjoy the programming our Jury has selected for you, and we hope that you leave the festival inspired by the individuals working to protect our fundamental human rights. With love and respect,
Sean Coffman, 2018 Festival Chair, Executive Director, The Human Family
Join the conversation #NDHRFF18
Unnatural Selection (Inégalité des Chances)
Thursday, November 8
Year: 2017 | 15 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): French Directed by: Geneviève Delouche Country of Origin: France Late for work, Julie, 35, gets harassed in the street by Karim, 25. Upon arriving at work, Julie discovers that the candidate with whom she must hold a job interview is none other than Karim. Determined to take revenge, she will show him what unnatural selection is.
Empire Arts Center Grand Forks, ND
The Right to Learn
1:00 – 4:30 PM
Year: 2018 | 30 min Genre: Short Documentary Language(s): English Directed by: Conor DeVries Country of Origin: Canada
North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival
“The Right to Learn” investigates the drastic increase in higher education costs in Canada over the past few decades. It follows three students as they navigate the real-world effects of this rise in tuition, as well as the impact seen within educational institutions and Canadian culture at large.
Afternoon Session
Emigration
The Providers
Year: 2017 | 30 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): Persian Directed by: A. Hassan Keivan Country of Origin: Iran
Year: 2018 | 1 hour 25 min Genre: Feature Documentary Language(s): English Directed by: Laura Green and Anna Moot-Levin Country of Origin: United States
A sculptor and her family are emigrating from Iran, but before leaving the capital, the city council commissions her to create a public sculpture. She accepts, as her heart is not yet committed to leaving. Meanwhile, her husband and son leave ahead of her. She talks to them often. She suspends her classes at the university, although some students still seek her advice at her workshop. She begins work on the sculpture while taking care of her elderly mother. After finally committing to leaving, the sculptor hesitates on the taxi ride to the airport and…
Set against the backdrop of the physician shortage and opioid epidemic in rural America, “The Providers” follows three healthcare providers in northern New Mexico. They work at El Centro, a group of safety-net clinics that offer care to all who walk through the doors, regardless of ability to pay. Amidst personal struggles that reflect those of their patients, the journeys of the providers unfold as they work to reach rural Americans who would otherwise be left out of the healthcare system.
Hotel Everest Year: 2017 | 39 min Genre: Short Documentary Language(s): English Directed by: Claudia Sobral Country of Origin: United States “Hotel Everest” is a story about individuals who have the courage to overcome ancient hatreds, fear and mistrust to find a better and more peaceful way for themselves, their communities and their families. They come together to understand the humanity in “the other,” and forge connections that promote empathy, understanding and, in their wildest hopes, peace. The film is not a historical account of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict but a contemporary, experiential film about iving within it.
With intimate access, the documentary shows the transformative power of providers’ relationships with marginalized patients.
Join the conversation #NDHRFF18
What is Human?
Thursday, November 8 Empire Arts Center Grand Forks, ND
Evening Session 6:00 – 10:00 PM
North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival
Year: 2018 | 5 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): English Directed by: Jake Bergen Country of Origin: Canada A victim of a war-ravaged past, an auntie in an African orphanage sees history repeating itself in the lives of the children she cares for – and considers life as she looks at a new generation of children dealing with age-old problems.
Are You Volleyball?! Year: 2017 | 15 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): Arabic, English Directed by: Mohammad Bakhshi Country of Origin: Iran A group of Arabian-speaking asylum seekers arrive to an English-speaking country border and can’t keep going. They clash with border soldiers every day till a deaf-mute baby becomes a catalyst for better communication between the two groups.
Dak’toká Taíno (I Am Taíno) Year: 2018 | 13 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): Spanish Directed by: Alba Enid García Country of Origin: United States A young Taíno girl, Marabelí, visits her grandma, Abuela Yaya, after Hurricane María. Marabelí expresses her fears of survival, while Abuela Yaya comforts her and reminds her of their resilient Taíno ancestors and challenging history. This film warmly reflects in the future of Puerto Ricans as an indigenous society.
Mrs. Schneider Year: 2018 | 10 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): English Directed by: Michael Matheson Miller Country of Origin: United States In 1950s Brooklyn, a young boy’s idyllic childhood is changed after a simple interaction with his Jewish neighbor.
This is Home: A Refugee Story Year: 2018 | 1 hour 31 min Genre: Feature Documentary Language(s): English Directed by: Alexandra Shiva Country of Origin: United States “This is Home” is an intimate portrait of four Syrian refugee families arriving in America and struggling to find their footing. Displaced from their homes and separated from loved ones, they are given eight months of assistance from the International Rescue Committee to become selfsufficient. As they learn to adapt to challenges, including the newly imposed travel ban, their strength and resilience are tested. It is a universal story, highlighted by humor and heartbreak, about what it’s like to start over, no matter the obstacles. After surviving the traumas of war, the families arrive in Baltimore, Maryland, and are met with a new set of trials. They attend cultural orientation classes and job training sessions where they must “learn America” – everything from how to take public transportation to negotiating new gender roles – all in an ever-changing and increasingly hostile political environment. Their goals are completely relatable: find a job, pay the bills and make a better life for the next generation. We witness the families’ struggles and triumphs up close through the drama of everyday life. Through intimate access, this cinema vérité film takes a fresh look at the classic American immigration story and challenges us to see past differences to find common ground. “This is Home” goes beyond the statistics, headlines and political rhetoric to tell deeply personal stories, putting a human face on the global refugee crisis. Join the conversation #NDHRFF18
Moderator Ifrah Esse
Panel Discussion The Immigrant and Refugee Experience Duration: 60 minutes with audience Q&A Join us for a discussion about the Immigrant and Refugee Experience. In the midst of racial tensions in Grand Forks, the discussion will focus on dispelling the myths around immigration processes and services, and identify ways the Grand Forks community can become a welcoming community for all who call it home.
North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival
Attorney & Small Business Owner Ifrah Esse is an attorney and a small business owner in Grand Forks, ND. She arrived in the U.S. at the age of 10 as a refugee along with her parents and 8 siblings. Prior to attending law school, Ifrah was a social worker who worked predominately with runaway and delinquent youth. Ifrah is very passionate about social justice issues and hopes to focus her legal career in advocating for marginalized communities.
Panelists Jaylani Hussein Executive Director, CAIR-Minnesota Jaylani Hussein is currently the executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN).
Hussein worked as the Community Liaison Officer at Metro State University and as a Planner for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. In 2013, he created Zeila Consultants to develop and offer cross-cultural training workshops on East African cultures. Hussein has presented on the Somali culture to diverse public and private organizations across the U.S. He specialies in the areas of urban planning, community development, youth development (with over 8 years experience in working in juvenile treatment centers for court adjudicated youth), legal and civil rights.
Cynthia Shabb Executive Director, Global Friends Coalition Cynthia Shabb is the executive director of Global Friends Coalition, a nonrofit with the mission of fostering refugee integration in the Greater Grand Forks Community. Global Friends works with over 260 volunteers a year, serving 230+ New Americans. Shabb earned a B.S. degree in English education from the University of Minnesota, a master’s in Library Science from Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of North Dakota.
Reginald ‘Reggie’ Tarr
SAVE THE DATE
Resettlement Coordinator, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota Reginald Tarr is the Resettlement Coordinator for the New Americans Services with Lutheran Social Services at the Grand Forks Program Center. Reginald originally came to Grand Forks as a refugee himself from Liberia in 2003 through the very program that he serves. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of North Dakota. Reginald was the recipient of the Undergraduate Student Civil Engagement Award at the university in 2011 for his involvement with community groups. He has served on the Board of Directors for Global Friends Coalition, an organization that helps integrate refugees into their new environments. Additionally, he was the former Chairman of the Liberian Community and is currently the executive of the United African Community in Grand Forks. Reginald was one of those who were recognized at the White House in 2016 for leadership in the refugee/immigrant community
January 24, 2019 6:00 – 10:00 PM Century Theater at NDSU’s Memorial Union The Seven is an interactive human rights experience. Through independently created events, The Seven empowers individuals to discuss and learn what it means to organize, advocate for, and influence positive change in their community. These events include interdisciplinary conversations, performances and research as a call to action. The Seven aims to advance a condition where participants recognize a change they can make in their world. Learn more at Human-Family.org. project of: 6:00pm-9:00pm JanuaryA 24, 2019; Century Theater at NDSU’s Memorial Union The Seven is an interactive human rights experience. Through independently created events, The Seven empowers individuals to discuss and learn what it means to organize, advocate for and influence positive change in their community. These events include interdisciplinary conversations, performances and research as a call to action. The Seven aims to advance a condition where participants recognize recogni a change they can make in their world.
Join the conversation #NDHRFF18
Living in Chains Year: 2018 | 14 min Genre: Student Filmmaker Language(s): English, Indonesian Directed by: Nur Humaira Sajat Country of Origin: Singapore
Tuesday, November 13 ND Heritage Center & State Museum Bismarck, ND
Afternoon Session 1:00 – 3:00 PM
North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival
“Living in Chains” is a short documentary film that centers around the banned practice in Indonesia known as pasung. Pasung refers to the practice of physical restraint or confinement upon a person deemed as mentally ill. The documentary presents the standpoints of the traditional healers and the unconventional methods they employ to heal the patients. The film also serves to highlight the stigma and cultural beliefs that perpetuate the practice that still exists in certain parts of the world in this modern day and age.
A Ferry Tale Year: 2018 | 10 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): Turkish Directed by: Mehmet Tigli Country of Origin: Turkey This short film is about a father and his two autistic children. They board a ferry on a wintry day and meet with some disappointing incidents in their short trip. Due to some impatient passengers’ reactions to his children’s unintentional actions, the father feels sad and loses hope.
America; I Too Year: 2017 | 20 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): English Directed by: Anike Tourse Country of Origin: United States
Franciszka Year: 2018 | 8 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): Silent Directed by: Elias Djemil Country of Origin: Canada In 1943, a revolt broke out at the AuchwitzBirkenau concentration camp. Among the resistants, a famous Polish ballerina. It is said that she disarmed a cruel SS officer with the simple grace of a ballet movement. Only her story has survived until today. Her name was Franciszka Mann.
Since the First Day We Met Year: 2017 | 4 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): English Directed by: Saul Singleton Country of Origin: United States A deaf boy moves to a new school and finds himself through meeting his new friend, Finn, in the forest.
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) presents its second short film, “America; I Too,” starring Academy Award nominee Barkhad Abdi and featuring music from Grammy winners Quetzal. Writer and first-time director Anike Tourse shares the interconnected stories of three arrested and detained immigrants who navigate the system as they attempt to prevent their deportation. This film is based on real testimonies and experiences.
More Than a Word Year: 2017 | 1 hour 5 min Genre: Documentary Feature Language(s): English Directed by: Kenn Little and John Little Country of Origin: United States “More Than a Word” analyzes the Washington football team and their use of the derogatory term R*dskins. Using interviews from both those in favor of changing the name and those against, the film presents a deeper analysis of the many issues surrounding the Washington team name. The film also examines the history of Native American mascots and cultural appropriation.
Join the conversation #NDHRFF18
Tuesday, November 13 ND Heritage Center & State Museum Bismarck, ND
Evening Session 6:00 – 10:00 PM
North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival
What is the Value of Human Life? Year: 2018 | 4 min Genre: Short Documentary Language(s): English Directed by: Jake Bergen Country of Origin: Canada Even though she has a good life, Maty is forced to cope with her disabilities every day. Sometimes, it causes her to ask hard questions about human value, and her own value in particular.
A Man Falls from the Sky Year: 2017 | 9 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): Dutch Directed by: Kurt Platvoet and Jan Verdijk Country of Origin: Netherlands Ton and Ineke Korrel enjoy their warm afternoon soup when a man crashes down from the sky, in their garden. Ton sees a dangerous species lying in his garden, Ineke wants to help. The situation escalates. The couple will soon find out who their other half really is. Hopefully before it’s too late.
Mni Wiconi: Water is Life Year: 2018 | 3 min Genre: Animation / Experimental Film Language(s): Silent Directed by: Miguel Antonio Genz and Jeremias Galante Country of Origin: United States Dedicated to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Dakota Territory, this black-and-white, hand-drawn short film focuses on the environment, and how the fossil fuel industry is affecting climate change. The film highlights the Dakota Access Pipeline, and is intended to create social awareness regarding contamination of natural resources.
Too Many Bodies Year: 2018 | 6 min Genre: Animation / Experimental Films Language(s): English Directed by: Reena Dutt Country of Origin: United States A music video for Alex Mackey’s “Place Called Us,” addressing America’s need for gun reform through dance, music and passion, culminating in a website of resources for advocacy and survivor support.
The Beautiful Struggle
Dodging Bullets
Local Filmmaker
Regional Filmmakers
Director Christian Gray, Producer Brad Kroupa and students from White Shield High School will be in attendance
Co-directors Kathy Broere and Bob Trench will be in attendance
Year: 2018 | 8 min Genre: Short Documentary Language(s): English Directed by: Christian Gray Country of Origin: United States Real people. Real stories. Real struggles. White Shield, North Dakota Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
Year: 2018 | 1 hour 38 min Genre: Documentary Feature Language(s): English Directed by: Sarah Edstrom, Kathy Broere, Jonathan Thunder, and Bob Trench Country of Origin: United States Native Americans have dodged bullets since first contact with Europeans. This film brings a cross-generational sampling of Indigenous people, researchers and politicians to reveal stunning reasons for their disproportionately high incidences of health and social issues. This collection of remarkable stories names historical trauma as the unique and insidious part of the genetic code that resilient Native American populations are still finding ways to dodge. The film focuses on Native Americans and is not the typical “tragedy porn” film about Indian Country, it is more of an accurate portrayal of life.
Facilitated Talking Circles Historical Trauma Duration: 75 minutes Join us in one of two facilitated talking circles to discuss the topics identified in the film “Dodging Bullets.” All individuals are invited to share as part of the discussion.
White Shield High School Join the conversation #NDHRFF18
What is the Value of Human Life?
Thursday, November 15
Year: 2018 | 4 min Genre: Short Documentary Language(s): English Directed by: Jake Bergen Country of Origin: Canada Even though she has a good life, Maty is forced to cope with her disabilities every day. Sometimes, it causes her to ask hard questions about human value, and her own value in particular.
Fargo Theatre Fargo, ND
Evening Session 7:00 – 10:00 PM
North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival
Sundogs Director Elizabeth Chatelain and actresses Sarah Chatelain-Gress and Serenity Gress will be in attendance Year: 2016 | 16 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): English Directed by: Elizabeth Chatelain Country of Origin: United States A single mother and her 4-year-old daughter struggle to survive a homeless night in the oilfields of North Dakota.
United Hopes Year: 2018 | 35 min Genre: Student Filmmaker Language(s): English Directed by: Arwa Sawan Country of Origin: United States This documentary addresses the Syrian refugees’ concerns over exercising their basic human rights and freedom of expression and how the United States’ immigration policy regarding the Syrian refugees’ humanitarian crisis is being shaped by the concerns over the impact of refugees on the USA’s national security. It is a documentary that brings awareness to this humanitarian crisis and highlights the important role of communication in promoting human rights protection while addressing concerns of our national security.
Home. The Homelessness Crisis in North Dakota Local Filmmaker Filmmakers Sonya Jensen and Sean Coffman will be in attendance at the festival. Year: 2018 | 49 min Genre: Short Documentary / Episodic Series Language(s): English Directed by: Sonya Jensen and Sean Coffman Country of Origin: United States The premiere of the first episode of the limited series “Home.” Focusing on the homelessness crisis in North Dakota, the first episode examines the myths, the individuals impacted, the causes and the community response to the epidemic. To support continued work on the series, text “Donate” to (701) 540-5365. Join the conversation #NDHRFF18
Panelists
Panel Discussion
The Homelessness Crisis in North Dakota Join us for a discussion about homelessness in North Dakota. In the midst of a crisis that impacts all of the communities in the state, what efforts are being made locally and statewide to address the issue?
Moderator Cody Schuler Executive Director, FM Coalition to End Homelessness Cody Schuler sees his work as a piece of a larger puzzle of ending homelessness by organizing people to come together to change systems and advocate for social justice.
Dr. George Connell Professor of Philosophy, Concordia College Dr. Connell has been teaching at Concordia since 1986. He attended Mercer University, and then went on to graduate school at Vanderbilt University. He recently completed terms as Division Chair of Humanities at Concordia and as the President of the Soren Kierkegaard Society. Dr. Connell recently completed a semester of sabbatical research, focusing on issues of home and homelessness.
Jan Elliason Harm Reductino Director, Fargo Cass Public Health Jan provides oversight and direction for the Gladys Ray Shelter and Veteran’s Drop in Center, Withdrawal Management Unit, and the Harm Reduction Center. She has been instrumental in advancing the concept of Housing First in the Fargo-Moorhead Community and advocating for lower barrier shelters throughout the region. Jan has been with the Gladys Ray Shelter since its inception in 2008.
Whitney Fear RN Case Manager / Shelter & Community Outreach Nurse, Homeless Health Services Whitney Fear was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. She is a proud member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Whitney is passionate about bringing equity to healthcare, the use of holistic nursing and increasing the level of diversity within the nursing profession.
Angela Daly Shelter Services Director, YWCA Cass Clay Angela Daly is Shelter Services Director for YWCA Cass Clay’s emergency shelter in Fargo, ND, which provides safety for women and children escaping domestic violence and poverty. The shelter typically serves 1,500 annually. Angela leads the expert and caring team of managers who provide services to help women find housing and transportation, gain jobs and education, access health care, and secure child care for their families.
Adam Martin Founder, F5 Project F5 Project focuses on rebuilding lives and communities through servicing people with criminal backgrounds. F5 helps to coordinate services and provide personal support in order to deter repeat offenses.
Naomi Richison Naomi was formerly homeless and a former resident of the Gladys Ray Shelter and the YWCA. Naomi is currently working on rebuilding her life with her boyfriend, JR and their 9 month old daughter, Sonja, in West Fargo.
Jesseca White Downtown Resource Officer, Fargo Police Department Officer Jesseca White is one of two Downtown Resource Officers (DRO) with the Fargo Police Department. The DROs are specifically assigned to provide enhanced services to the downtown area. The main focuses of the DROs are to help promote a revitalized, safe and vibrant downtown that appeals to citizens of Fargo and visitors.
SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH
December 2, 2018
A portion of tonight’s screening of “Home.” was funded in part by Humanities North Dakota, a nonprofit, independent state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the “Home.” do not necessarily reflect those of Humanities North Dakota or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
EXIBITION
January 7-24, 2019 ARTISTS RECEPTION
January 23, 2019
LEARN MORE AT HUMAN-FAMILY.ORG
We Have Our Ways
Friday, November 16
Year: 2017 | 15 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): English Directed by: Dawn Jones Redstone Country of Origin: United States In a dystopic but recognizable America, street riots are common, tap water is undrinkable, and you’re lucky if you get health insurance. Regina usually keeps her head down to just get by, especially at work. As a customer service rep for Alleviate (“Keeping you healthy tomorrow, today”), she must reject health coverage for desperate callers all day in order to do her job. But when her younger cousin Abigail is in need of a criminalized medical procedure, she must decide what price she’s willing to pay for justice.
Fargo Theatre Fargo, ND
Afternoon Session 1:00 – 3:30 PM
North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival
The Snag Year: 2018 | 8 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): French Directed by: Desalos Isabelle Country of Origin: France When Camille meets Etienne, there is something more than usual. But she has a secret that will ruin everything between them: she has HIV. When she runs away and he catches her, the complicity turns to a lack of understanding. Despite their shared desire, those two hearts will hurt each other.
Nobody Dies Here Year: 2016 | 23 min Genre: Short Documentary Language(s): English Directed by: Simon Panay Country of Origin: France Perma gold mine, Benin. Some dream to find something, others realized there was nothing to be found. Some dig relentlessly, hoping to become rich, others died in the process. And a few of them say that here, nobody dies.
Modified Year: 2017 | 1 hour 27 min Genre: Feature Documentary Language(s): English Directed by: Aube Giroux Country of Origin: Canada
Rehoming Actress Julie Sheppard will be in attendance Year: 2018 | 15 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): English Directed by: Aarón Monsiváis Country of Origin: Canada A couple decides to adopt a child from a foreign country to fill the void left by the death of their biological child, but soon regret their decision and makes a heart-wrenching, morally questionable choice.
“Modified” is an award-winning first-person documentary that questions why genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not labeled on food products in Canada and the United States despite being labeled in 64 countries around the world. Interweaving the personal and the political, the film is anchored in the filmmaker’s relationship with her mother, a passionate gardener and food activist. Their intimate mother-daughter investigative journey, fueled by a shared love of food, ultimately reveals the extent to which industrial interests control our food policies, making a strong case for a more transparent and sustainable food system. Join the conversation #NDHRFF18
Mni Wiconi: Water is Life
Friday, November 16 Fargo Theatre Fargo, ND
Evening Session 7:00 – 10:00 PM
North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival
Year: 2018 | 3 min Genre: Animation / Experimental Film Language(s): Silent Directed by: Miguel Antonio Genz Country of Origin: United States Dedicated to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Dakota Territory, this black-and-white, hand-drawn short film focuses on the environment, and how the fossil fuel industry is affecting climate change. The film highlights the Dakota Access Pipeline, and is intended to create social awareness regarding contamination of natural resources.
A Man Falls from the Sky Year: 2017 | 9 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): Dutch Directed by: Kurt Platvoet and Jan Verdijk Country of Origin: Netherlands Ton and Ineke Korrel enjoy their warm afternoon soup when a man crashes down from the sky, in their garden. Ton sees a dangerous species lying in his garden, Ineke wants to help. The situation escalates. The couple will soon find out who their other half really is. Hopefully before it’s too late.
Alphabet Year: 2017 | 6 min Genre: Animation / Experimental Language(s): Silent Directed by: Kianoush Abedi Country of Origin: Iran It has been years since the people of this town forgot the alphabets of life. They have no sight, hearing or speech left… but the words are impatiently waiting to be sung again.
Safe Space Year: 2018 | 8 min Genre: Short Narrative Language(s): English Directed by: Ben S. Hyland Country of Origin: United Kingdom Sarah is a key worker in a women's refuge. Amne is her new client. For Amne, the journey from victim to survivor is painful and traumatic. For Sarah, the emotional burden placed on her shoulders is overwhelming. “Safe Space” chronicles the relationship between the two women from the day Amne arrives until the day she must leave.
Sing Our River Red
Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women Local Filmmaker Director Gott Falcon will be in attendance Year: 2016 | 2 min Genre: Short Documentary Language(s): English Directed by: Gott Falcon Country of Origin: United States February 14, 2016. Fargo, North Dakota. Temperatures hovering just above 0 degrees F, with wind gusts of up to 20 mph. Members of the Native American Commission and advocates in the community brave the cold to bring awareness to the serious issue of the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women of North America.
1200+ Regional Filmmaker Director Leonard Yakir and Producer Shelia North will be in attendance Language(s): English Directed by: Leonard Yakir Produced by: Sheila North and Leonard Yakir Country of Origin: Canada “1200+” focuses on a region in Canada where the indigenous community has been tragically impacted by indigenous women and girls being victims of violence and murder. The documentary was created and produced by journalist Sheila North, who is the former Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, and filmmaker Leonard Yakir. The RCMP claim there are over 1,200 missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in Canada. Family and friends claim up to 3,000. The film “1200+” is seen through the eyes of journalist Sheila North, who has made it her passion to get to the bottom of MMIWG. Sheila examines how and why these women and girls go missing and draws on the similarities of their circumstances. Join the conversation #NDHRFF18
The Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Join us for a discussion about the Missing and Murdered Women and Girls Crisis. In the midst of a crisis that impacts all of the communities in the state, what efforts are being made locally and statewide to address the issue? Duration: 60 minutes with audience Q&A Moderated by: Michael Yellow Bird, NDSU
North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival
Moderator
Director, Tribal and Indigenous Peoples Studies Program, Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, NDSU Dr. Michael Yellow Bird is a citizen of the Three Affiliated Tribes, (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara). He joined the North Dakota State University faculty in the fall of 2014. He has held faculty and/or academic administrative appointments at the University of British Columbia, University of Kansas, Arizona State University and Humboldt State University. He is professor and director of the Tribal Indigenous Studies program at NDSU. His teaching, writing, research and community work focus on Indigenous Peoples’ health, leadership and cultural rights; the effects of colonization and methods of decolonization; decolonizing social work approaches; decolonizing war and military service; neurodecolonization and mind-body approaches; neuroscience and Indigenous Peoples; traditional mindfulness and contemplative practices; ancestral and paleo eating and lifestyle; and the rights of Mother Earth.
Panelists
Panel Discussion
Michael Yellow Bird
BJ Jones BJ has over 25 years of experience as a tribal judge for various tribes in the Northern Plains area. He currently serves as Chief Judge for the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate and its Treatment Court. In addition, Jones teaches criminal law and jurisdiction in Indian Country and a seminar on the Indian Child Welfare Act at the University of North Dakota School of Law. Jones has presented at over 200 national and regional conferences since 1995, including the Indian Nations Conference, Department of Justice events, United States Federal Courts conferences, the Federal Bar Association, American Bar Association events and National American Indian Court Judges' Conferences and Parks at Department of Justice, American Bar Association, and other events. Jones serves on the North Dakota Supreme Court's Tribal-State Judges' Committee.
Lisa Brunner
Sheila North
Lisa Brunner is a member of the White Earth Ojibwe Nation and is Wolf Clan. Lisa has worked in the domestic violence and sexual assault field for over 18 years, and was the executive director of Sacred Spirits First Nations Coalition for 13 years, whose work addresses violence against Native American and Alaska Native women. Sacred Spirits First Nations Coalition is responsible for the creation of the Harm Reduction program on the White Earth reservation in its response to the heroin epidemic, and has since become a model for Tribes and the state. Brunner has advocated on the local, state, national and international levels to bring about change to public policy that maintains the horrific realities of violence against Native women and within our Tribal communities.
Producer of “1200+”
Lisa has served as board chair of the White Earth Land Recovery Project and Board of Directors for Native American Children’s Alliance and served on the National Technical Working Group, “SOAR to Health & Wellness Training for Health Care Providers to Respond to Human Trafficking.” Lisa was honored with the Bonnie HeavyRunner Award for her work. She is a 2016 Bush Fellow. Lisa has been an adjunct faculty member at White Earth Tribal and Community College and has recently been promoted to interim cultural coordinator. Lisa is currently co-director of Indigenous Women’s Human Rights Collective, Inc.
Sheila North is the Former Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, an organization which represents 30 northern First Nations in Manitoba, Canada. North is a former journalist and communications professional who has covered many First Nations issues and worked with several other leaders over the years. During her career in media, she penned the hashtag #MMIWG, a very well-known acronym to identify the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Leonard Yakir Director and Producer of “1200+” Leonard Yakir grew up in Winnipeg’s North End. He produced and directed: The Mourning Suit (official entry Locarno & Chicago International festivals), the first Winnipeg based feature; and has since been the creative force behind socially motivated films such as “Mainstreet Soldier” (Etrog nominee), Out of the Blue” (official entry Cannes Film Festival) and award winning “The Ring of 1000 Souls and Sound.”
Join the conversation #NDHRFF18
Notes
Notes
human-family.org