Hello! Welcome to Native Film Talk! The purpose of this podcast is to explore Native representation in film from the perspective of a Native, me. Native American representation in film is as old as the film industry itself, so there is a plethora of content available for review. I plan to watch movies, tv shows, and documentaries from the old westerns, i.e. The Searchers, The Outlaw Josey Wales, to more modern box office hits, Wind River, Hostiles, Magnificent Seven. Also I'd like to explore film that are from the Native perspective, i.e. Smoke Signals, Skins, Indian Horse, The Fast Runner. During this journey I will do research and dedicate an episode per film. I hope on this journey to gain a better understanding of what appropriate representation means to me. I realize my palate will change through the course of this podcast and I hope yours does as well!
Overall, the image of the Native American in film has changed in a lot of ways, in others it has not. There have been attempts to mature from the stoic indian, noble savage, and white savior but we also see modern instanaces where those stereotypes continue to be perpetuated. Also there is encouraging signs that we are heading in the right direction, with movies like Indian Horse, that recant accurate experiences of Native people in history. Also tv shows like Molly From Denali that show a positive image of native people on television while being accurate to the tribe being represented in the show. I'm excited for this journey and hopefully will have some great guests join me along the way. Thank you and happy listening!