VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver's Diversity Council is holding its fifth annual Diversity Film Festival this fall. Four films will be shown over two weeks in September. The first week will focus on political issues and the second on Native American culture. The festival is free and open to the public.
Films will be shown at 4 p.m. Sept. 10, 12, 18 and 20. The first three films will be shown in the Firstenburg Student Commons. On Sept. 20 the film will be shown in the Dengerink Administration building, room 110 and the director of “Two Spirits,” Lydia Nibley, will lead a discussion after the showing.
“Please Vote for Me”
4 p.m. Sept. 10, Firstenburg Student Commons
This film about the political process follows the elections for class monitor in a third grade class in China. Aided and abetted by parents and teachers, the young candidates reveal the nature of democracy in a rapidly changing country. Mandarian Chinese with English subtitles.
“The Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story”
4 p.m. Sept. 12, Firstenburg Student Commons
Winner of the national Edward R. Murrow Award, the Polk Award for Excellence in Journalism and the International Documentary Association's Donnet Award, “Boogie Man” has been called one of the best political documentaries ever made. The film follows the rise and fall of Lee Atwater, the charming, Machiavellian godfather of modern, take-no-prisoners Republican political campaigns. Both a political thriller and a truly scary story, “Boogie Man” provides a context for controversial—some would say underhanded—tactics of current-day elections.
“Reel Injun: On the Trail of the Hollywood Indian”
4 p.m. Sept. 18, Firstenburg Student Commons
A Peabody Award-winning film, “Reel Injun” journeys through a century of cinema film providing an entertaining and provocative look at Hollywood's depiction of Native Americans and setting the record straight. Traveling through the heartland of the U.S. to the Black Hills and Monument Valley, Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond examines how the myth of the movie has influenced the world's understanding—and misunderstanding—of Native Americans.
With clips from hundreds of classic and recent films, it is a remarkable feat of historical research, documenting the shift from nuanced silent-era heroes to the Western's "noble savage" stereotype, leading up to the burgeoning Native independent scene of “Smoke Signals” and “The Fast Runner.”
Containing candid interviews with celebrated directors, writers, actors and activists, including Clint Eastwood, Robbie Robertson, Sacheen Littlefeather, John Trudell and Russell Means, “Reel Injun” is an insightful and essential compilation for understanding the racial politics of Hollywood and the continuing artistic vibrancy of Native peoples.
“Two Spirits”
4 p.m. Sept. 20, Dengerink Administration Building room 110
This film tells the story of Fred Martinez; a "two-spirit" with both masculine and feminine traits—a special gift in native culture. This film examines tradition, controversy, sex and spirit, civil rights, gender issues and the freedom to be you.
The Diversity Film Festival showcases works and artists that touch on and reflect the many and various aspects of cultural diversity we see around the world today. The festival's goal is to foster a forum for, encourage dialog about and promote an understanding of diversity issues on the 91ԹϺ campus and throughout the community.
91ԹϺ is located at 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service. Parking is available at meters or in the Blue Daily Pay lot for $3.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS
John Barber, Chair, Diversity Council, 360-546-9645, jfbarber@vancouver.wsu.edu
Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu