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Another 2 Movie Challenge
Listening is top priority right now. Though I believe it is important to be in conversation about issues pertaining to Indigenous people, we as descendants of European colonialists need much more to be listening. In my own experience, movies have helped me to do that. That is why today I am posting a list of movies that I think have potential to provide a catalyst for listening. By watching just two movies from this list in the month of July, we can give ourselves a chance to hear the stories that have been silenced for so long.
My top 8 movies that center on the lives of Indigenous people:
NOTE: Numbers 6, 5, and 1 in the above list don’t speak much to the contemporary conversation in Canada, but there are still things to be gained.
And my top 10 “Watchlist” movies of the same subject. These I haven’t seen but want to. I am planning to watch at least two this month:
Warrior Women (2018, documentary)
Rez Metal (2021, documentary)
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner
Smoke Signals (1998) PRIME (RENT)
Skins (2002)
Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World (2017, music documentary)
Beneath Clouds (2002, Australia) TUBITV.comTUBITV.com
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001, Canada) NETFLIXNETFLIX
Trick or Treaty (2014, Canada, documentary) PRIMEPRIME
Rhymes for Young Ghouls (2013, Australia) TUBITV.comTUBITV.com
A documentary made in 1984 about a significant event in Restigouch, QC. I’m definitely checking that one out!
And if I could just address a couple of potential barriers…
“I don’t have enough time.” Most of us love to say we don’t waste time watching TV and that we keep ourselves busy. However, most of us do have the time, and most of us DO waste time watching TV. Plus keep in mind that this is a way to listen. Can you think of any other ways that you have actively listened to the Indigenous people and their stories? It’s only 4 hours of your time in a whole month.
“I don’t have streaming.” Again, most of us have access to at least one streaming service, but you may have noticed above that some of the titles have blue text telling you where you can find the movies. Plus, the ones that are underlined are free! If you don’t have a streaming service, choose from the TUBITV.com and NFB.ca titles. Those are completely free streaming sites.
“Watching this kind of subject upsets me.” I am sympathetic to this sentiment; however, please consider: 1) That’s all of us. Very few of us would hear these stories and say, “Yeah, that doesn’t bother me. Whatever.” Being upset by what we hear or see is normal, but not always good to avoid. E.g. Schindler’s List may not be for everyone, but there are many more movies and documentaries about the subject that should be taken in instead. It’s unpleasant, but necessary. 2) Remember, their stories have been silenced, oppressed, and doubted for centuries. The least we can do is be uncomfortable. I would, however, caution anyone considering Apocalypto, The Last of the Mohicans, or Wind River. They are all rated R and have disturbing scenes of violence.
Now about our movie of the week… obviously I wasn’t thinking ahead (I rarely do) and a Coen Brothers film has really nothing to do with the subject above. But there still needs to be one. So…
Congratulations Raising Arizona. This is your week. (I’m thrilled. I LOVE this movie!)
And the Oscar goes to…
Best Actress:
Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross in True Grit
Best Actor: John Goodman as Gale in Raising Arizona
Best Quote: “Would that it were so simple?” – Ralph Fiennes as Laurence Laurentz in Hail, Caesar!
I hope we all have a good weekend (and month) of reflection.
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