Area colleges to host Native American film fest
By Megan Newell
Last Updated:10:47 AM EST 2/13/08 Section: News
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The first event in the festival took place at Nazareth College. The animated Disney film Pocahontas was shown, with Russell Means, the voice of Chief Powhatan in the movie, speaking afterwards. Means is a Native American activist known for his involvement in The American Indian Movement.
According to Dana Nichols, member of the English Department, more than 600 people attended the first event.
"There are student volunteers that are involved there will be a panel discussion after one of the events here at Fisher that will include teenagers," Nichols said.
Taking place at St. John Fisher College, Monroe Community College, The George Eastman House and Nazareth College, the festival will highlight Native Americans in film.
Many documentaries will be shown, along with other full-length films. Speakers and performers will include filmmakers, professors, actors, authors and activists. Many of the speakers are local community members. The first event at Fisher will take place Friday, Feb. 15, titled Native American Animation and Storytelling for Children. Perry Ground will be presenting. Some events will be followed by a panel discussion.
The other events at Fisher will take place on March 14 & 28 at 7 p.m. in Basil 135 and April 6 at 2 p.m. in Basil 135.
Nichols is the coordinator for the events taking place at Fisher.
"I got involved because I heard that this consortium was starting and all of these campuses were involved, and I thought it was really important for Fisher to be involved," she said.
Nichols took the initiative to get involved in this project because she thinks that "all of us can benefit from understanding more about Native issues and how those issues have developed. I really want our students to have a chance to participate in the conversations that are happening all across Rochester."
For more information about the Rochester Native American Film Festival and a full schedule of events visit www.rocnafilms.org.
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