A Celebration of Native Filmmaking
The Native Lens Symposium returns June 13-14, 2026 welcoming filmmakers and creatives from the Four Corners region and throughout Indian Country for a two day gathering dedicated to the celebration of Native film and community building within the industry. Held in Durango, Colorado, the Symposium features film screenings, master classes and industry-centric discussions led by filmmakers, representatives from film festivals, legal professionals, and other industry voices. Meals are provided and there is no cost to attend.
The goal of the Symposium is to enhance a supportive community of Indigenous filmmakers within Colorado and beyond, provide information and resources for aspiring and active industry professionals, and establish relationships to set aspiring filmmakers up for success within the film industry.
We hope you can join us on the homelands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) people. We also acknowledge that this land is connected to the communal and ceremonial spaces of the Jicarilla Apache (Apache), Pueblos of New Mexico, Hopi Sinom (Hopi), and Diné (Navajo) Nations.
The Native Lens Symposium is made possible with funding from the Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media.
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2026 SYMPOSIUM IS NOW CLOSED
Schedule
Day 1 – Saturday, June 13
8:30am – 9:30am: Check-in, Breakfast
9:30am – 10:30am: Welcome and Icebreakers
10:30am – 11:30am: Opening panel: “State of the Native Film Industry & Building Alternative Paths Forward”
11:45am – 12:30pm: Intro to Industry Partners
12:30pm – 1:45pm: Lunch and Industry Roundtables
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Guided Conversation: The Ethics of AI in Filmmaking
3:15pm – 4:30pm: Developing Your Short Film: From Concept to Execution
So you have a great idea for a film? How do you take it from the page (or your head) to on the screen? Writer/Director Brooke Pepion Swaney (Blackfeet / Salish) takes us through the development of several of her short films: OK Breathe, Auralee (Sundance), Lily Gladstone: Far Out There (Firelight Media/ PBS American Masters), and a few projects in development.
4:30pm – 5:50pm: Alexandra Lazarowich Retrospective Film Screening and Q&A
Fast Horse (2018) – 14 min
Cree Code Talker (2016)- 14 min
Lake (2019) – 5 min
Out of Nothing (2018) – 15 min
Winding Path (2024) – 10 min
6:00pm – 7:00pm: Networking Social Hour
7:00pm – 8:30pm: Dinner & Screening of Daughter of a Lost Bird (66 min)
Followed by filmmaker Q&A with director Brooke Pepion Swaney
Day 2 – Sunday, June 14
8:30am – 9:00am: Breakfast and Informal Networking
9:00am – 9:30am: Opening session
9:30am – 11:20am: Building Your Business: Legal & Financial Deep Dive
Learn the legal and financial ins and outs of setting yourself up for success as a filmmaker.
11:30am – 12:30pm: Finding Funding and Support: What’s working, what’s new? Presentations and Resource sharing circle
12:30pm – 1:45pm: Lunch and Industry Roundtables
2:00pm – 4:30pm: Resident Alien Showcase
Screening of an episode of the television show Resident Alien followed by a panel featuring writer /director Alexandra Lazarowich (Cree), Showrunner Chris Sheridan, Special Effects Makeup Artist Cayley Giene and Costumer Kelsey Chobotar. Then, a special fx makeup demonstration with Cayley Giene!
4:45pm – 5:30pm: Closing Circle: Building What Comes Next
5:30pm – 7:00pm: Networking Social Hour
7:00pm – 8:30pm: Dinner & Screening of Native Lens Short Films, Followed by filmmaker Q&A
– Sacred Ink directed by Antonia Hatch
– Ñuuyi directed by Itandehui Jansen
– Red Bird directed by Emma Barrow
– Red Running Into Love directed by Natalie Benally
– Healing Rituals: Rise to Sun’s Warmth directed by Raven Myers
– Everlasting directed by Amanda Lickers
– Zapotec Spirit directed by Polaris Castillo
– Kusi Smiles directed by Sisa Quispe
More information
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner and afternoon appetizers are provided both days.
- Parking is free – find a parking map here.
- The Native Lens symposium is open to everyone, but especially geared towards supporting Indigenous filmmakers and storytellers.
LOCATION
All sessions, meals and screenings take place in the Vallecito Room at Fort Lewis College Student Union, located at 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.