AlterNative Film Festival

Friday. Nov. 10 schedule

OPENING NIGHT, FRIDAY, NOV. 10, 2023
Presented by Alex M. Thomas

Beans

Tracey Deer, director

This explores the 1990 Oka Crisis at Kanesatake, which Deer lived through as a child, through the eyes of Tekehentahkhwa (nicknamed "Beans"), a young Mohawk girl whose perspective on life is radically changed by these events. The film premiered at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was second runner up for the People's Choice Award. It was also featured at the 2021 New York International Children's Film Festival, among others.

Screening at 7:15 p.m. Preceded by an opening reception at 6 p.m. Wine and beer provided by Handcrafted Wine & Spirits.

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Saturday, Nov. 11 schedule

SATURDAY, NOV. 11, 2023

Gift of Fear

Directed by Katy Dore and Jack Kohler

The film follows Mili, who witnessed her mother's murder 11 years ago. Mili now has a family with a Jiu Jitsu team, but the gang she once ran with decides to teach her a lesson. Now Mili must risk everything to save her friend from a life of sex trafficking.(105 min.)

2 p.m.

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Dadiwonisi (We Will Speak)

Directed by Schon Duncan and Michael McDermit

This documentary chronicles the efforts of Cherokee activists, artists and educators fighting to save the Cherokee language. (94 min.)

4:30 p.m.

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SATURDAY CENTERPIECE EVENT, NOV. 11, 2023
Presented by FX Networks, Emily Bonavia and Hotel at Old Town

Special guest: 'Reservation Dogs' star Nathalie Standingcloud

Oklahoma native Nathalie Standingcloud is an artist and actress whose works have been seen on skin and on screen across the country.

Originally from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, she is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation and a descendant of Mvskoke Creek, Salish, Colville, and Wenatchee tribes.

Nathalie has been creating art all her life and is an award-winning licensed tattoo artist at Inkjunkys in Tulsa. She began acting at the age of six and made her first TV debut in "Reservation Dogs" and is a principal extra in Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Reception with Nathalie featuring wine and frybread at 6:30 p.m. followed by:

Special screening: Two episodes of 'Reservation Dogs' with star Nathalie Standingcloud

FX Networks presents a special screening of two episodes of the groundbreaking hit FX on Hulu series “Reservation Dogs,” with cast member Nathalie Standingcloud. The comedy series follows four Native American teenagers growing up on a reservation in eastern Oklahoma.

We will screen two episodes featuring Standingcloud: "NDN Clinic" from Season 1, about a new crew that threatens the Reservation Dogs while they try and make some money selling meat pies outside the local IHS Clinic, and "Wide Net" from Season two, following "the Aunties" as they let loose while at their yearly IHS conference. (75 min.)

7:45 p.m. Followed by Q&A with Standingcloud.

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Sunday, Nov. 12 schedule

SUNDAY, NOV. 12, 2023

Shorts program, 2 p.m.

This is How We Rise

Directed by Ciara Lacy

An exploration into the creative process, following native Hawaiian slam poet Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio as her art is reinvigorated by her calling to protect sacred sites atop Mauna Kea, Hawai'i. (12 min.)

The Burden of Being

Directed by Rodrick Pocowatchit

In the year 2064, where only one utilitarian race -- known as 'The Nation' -- is recognized, a Native American man is imprisoned for speaking his ancient tribal language. Starring Noah Watts, Ross Crain and DeLanna Studi. (12 min.)

Sweetheart Dancers

Directed by Ben-Alex Dupris

This documentary is a story about Sean and Adrian, a Two-Spirit couple determined to rewrite the rules of Native American culture through their participation in the 'Sweetheart Dance.' This celebratory contest is held at powwows across the country, primarily for men and women couples, until now. (12 min.)

Must Love Pie

Directed by Patrick Clement

Wichitan and Comanche filmmaker Daniel Pewewardy stars as a lonely man who finds a love connection.

(13 min.)

Pewewardy and Clement will be present for a Q&A after the screening.

Dancing on the Moon

20th anniversary screening

Directed by Rodrick Pocowatchit

Three Native American friends get stranded on the road to a pow-wow. This is a special screening of Pocowatchit's first feature film, which was supported by the Sundance Institute and screened at festivals across the country and in Canada, Italy and the Netherlands. Starring Pocowatchit and his brothers Guy Ray Pocowatchit and Mark Wells. (94 min.)

3:30 p.m. Pocowatchit will be present to discuss his filmmaking journey after the screening.

Closing night film: Fancy Dance

Presented by NorthStar Comfort Services, Inc.

Directed by Erica Tremblay

This had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Following her sister's disappearance, a Native American hustler (Lily Gladstone, about to make waves as the lead in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon”) kidnaps her niece from the child's white grandparents and sets out for the state powwow in hopes of keeping what is left of their family intact.

6:15 p.m.