4th World Media Lab and the cINeDIGENOUS – Short Selections

by

Tiger (12 Minutes) (D. Loren Waters)

A documentary titled “Tiger” chronicles the journey of a Native American artist who has utilized her artwork as a means of respecting her tribal heritage. Despite encountering hardships and health issues, she persevered to complete her work and establish a creative empire. Her life’s story saw her T-shirts with tiger designs become globally popular, but unfortunately, her production facility has been shut down.

This narrative illustrates the ups and downs of popularity and provides insights into the past events that significantly impacted the artist. It’s fascinating to learn about the turbulent journeys of family-owned businesses, as they often experience dramatic highs and lows, not always guaranteeing a smooth ride. (4/5)

Dead Aloha (15 Minutes) (D. Cris Romento)

In a new take, filmmaker Cris Romento delves into the reason behind numerous native Hawaiian individuals relocating from the islands. She personally feels the island’s significance to her own family and investigates the factors that led her kin to depart, even as they preserve their culture. The film primarily concentrates on how this culture is upheld in mainland America and how it remains consistent, adapting to various climates.

The film depicts the U.S. occupation of the islands, resulting in native displacement from their ancestral lands. It illustrates how the mainland became more accessible and provided a fresh opportunity for them, complete with their unique culture. Yet, the longing to go back and the regret of not being able to return continue to torment them, and this feeling persists until today. (4/5)

Munkha (10 Minutes) (D. Alexander Moruo, Markel Martynov)

Munkha tags along with a local fishing clan residing in frigid environments. The youngest family member harbors ambitions of becoming a fisherwoman, mirroring her relatives’ profession. On the contrary, her elder brother doesn’t entertain such dreams. An exhilarating family journey helps her grasp the implications of chasing her dream and the potential sacrifices required in a world undergoing transformation.

This enchanting animated short film explores the desire for dreams that have faded over time, as seen through the eyes of an inexperienced young girl. Unaware of the transformations on the horizon, she gradually understands the significance of teamwork while fishing, realizing that cooperation yields the best outcomes. (4/5)

Pow! (8 Minutes) (D. Joey Clift)

In this story, we find a character who is a father, striving to instill the customs of their heritage in his son. However, he himself has developed an excessive fascination with technology and embarks on a personal quest to recharge his gadget. The narrative illustrates how modern youth from various cultures have embraced change, often losing touch with their origins.

The film illustrates the significance of cultures, regardless of how they may evolve from their original forms. It presents these transformations in an engaging and animated manner, offering a key insight into the adaptability of culture as the world continues to change around it. (4/5)

Red Shaded Green (4 Minutes) (D. Johannes Vang, Sapmi)

In the Norwegian countryside, Green Shaded Red (a reference to the colors of the wind turbines) treads on the lands traditionally inhabited by the native population. These structures gradually took over the landscapes, eventually leading to a legal battle that aimed to declare them illegal. Unfortunately, the harm had already been inflicted, and now the people are left with the task of preserving their culture through various restoration efforts and campaigns emphasizing their significance.

Among all options presented, this one carries the most significant message and deserves greater attention. It delves into the necessary environmental adjustments that may impact traditional practices among other communities. Even though it’s the briefest of the choices, it sparks the greatest curiosity and is likely to be discussed at length. (5/5)

Read More

2025-05-20 18:38