1) We got another film rejection for @MTAWdocumentary for a bigger film festival. We have been successful in almost every Native festival and festivals that reserve space for Native films. I understand that we cannot be accepted into every festival, we're noticing some themes.
2) Our feedback for one festival was,"I wanted to hear more Native voices on the mascot issue. And see more of the beautiful culture." Natives have been voicing our opinions on the mascot issue since the 1960s and remain ignored. Sometimes it just seems like we can't win.
3) Film festivals want Poverty Porn. A majority of these festivals are run by people who envision Natives as either in the past or as poor Indians who need white filmmakers to save them.
4) I've seen some really bad films, made by both Native and non-Native filmmakers using the Poverty Porn angle, getting tons of awards and screenings while I've seen some amazing films that move away from the Poverty Porn narrative get almost little or no coverage.
5) We have to start pushing against that narrative. There is a difference between highlighting Native voices and using Native voices for political purposes. Stop taking the stereotypical shot of a reservation trailer or filming Native youth playing in the dirt.
6) We have so many empowering stories. Stories of Survival. Resistance. Laughter. Humor. History. Enlightenment. Victory. Loss. Ceremony. Persistence. Tell those stories. #changethenarrative
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