WÍICHKɄ PAA TUKWA PɄNI WɄNI

WÍICHKɄ PAA TUKWA PɄNI WɄNI (Stand, Looking Toward the Future)

WÍICHKɄ PAA TUKWA PɄNI WɄNI draws a parallel between the Ute Circle of Life and the Southern Ute practice of electing tribal royalty to act as young leaders for the tribe.

Cheating Ain't Easy

A procrastinating college student decides to take a supernatural approach to studying right before a major test.

Adziil

“Adziil" means “the quality of having strength” in the Diné language.

Hi, My Name is Lilliana

In her first film, Lilliana Rice addresses the complexities of working as a mixed race filmmaker and animator.

Ha Txan Tsi. An Ka Li (We Come Home After)

“Ha Txan Tsi. An Ka Li (We Come Home After)” delves into the struggles and complex identities of Native American veterans as they return home.

Showcasing Indigenous Film & Storytelling

Native Lens is a film and video project that celebrates and amplifies Indigenous voices. Hosted by KSUT Tribal Media Center and Rocky Mountain PBS, Native Lens provides training and support to both showcase and help produce films by Indigenous filmmakers. By sharing vibrant works of Indigenous storytelling and cinema, Native Lens seeks to create community by connecting the stories, cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples throughout North America.

Featured Films

Discover the Native Lens Collection

Adziil

Arts, Diné/Navajo

“Adziil" means “the quality of having strength” in the Diné language. This film is the second installment in the Azhish dance film series, which aims to uplift Indigenous dance artists to share their story on their terms. “Adziil” features Native TikTok star, Nicole Sam. Drawing inspiration from TV shows like Glee and the bright and colorful aesthetic of K-pop videos, Sam wanted this film to be the embodiment of Indigenous Joy.

Cheating Ain’t Easy

Choctaw, Indigenous Comedy

A procrastinating college student decides to take a supernatural approach to studying right before a major test.

Culture Within the Ice

Diné/Navajo, Native Lens Media Fellowship, Nature/Environment, Non-fiction, Southern Ute, Sports, Ute, White Mountain Apache

A Ute elder takes on the role of mentor, guiding the younger generations towards self-love, acceptance, and embracing life through the thrilling and challenging sport of ice climbing.

Extraction

Animation, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, Poetry/Spoken Word

A poem written by Tanaya Winder and animated by Moira Villiard, Extraction addresses generational trauma and resolute sadness caused by the forced loss of language, culture and people.

Facing the Storm: Indigenous Response to Climate Change

Environment, Indigenous Activism, Non-fiction

Mazaska Talks is an Indigenous-led grassroots organization focused on protecting Indigenous rights. In their first documentary, the Mazaska Talks organizers explore the divestment movement as a tool to combat the destruction of sacred sites and the climate crisis.

Ha Txan Tsi. An Ka Li (We Come Home After)

Experimental, Non-fiction

“Ha Txan Tsi. An Ka Li (We Come Home After)” delves into the struggles and complex identities of Native American veterans as they return home, exploring the “Warrior’s Paradox” and the healing power of tradition.

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Whether you have a completed film or video, or some footage you’ve shot that you need help editing, submit what you’ve got. We feature films and videos from both emerging and established Indigenous filmmakers across North America.

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Latest News

A Journey through the perspective of ‘LEGENDS’

In the vibrant tapestry of storytelling, the collaboration between writer Jack Belhumeur and animator Gabriel Lazarick, both residing in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, unfolds a captivating narrative in their short film … Read more