Online Native Cinema Showcase Brings Indigenous Films to Audiences Worldwide

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian celebrates American Indian Heritage Month with its online Native Cinema Showcase Nov. 17–24. This year’s showcase highlights films of Indigenous perseverance that inspire, uplift and triumph against adversity—stories that prevail against the judicial system, generational trauma and cultural appropriation through love and complex relationships, self-worth and humor.

The showcase provides a unique forum for engagement with Native filmmakers from Indigenous communities throughout the Western Hemisphere and Arctic. This year’s program includes a total of 35 films (six features and 29 shorts), representing 22 nations in six countries: U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Colombia.

All films are free to watch and are available for streaming, worldwide and on demand, with the exception of The Legend of Molly Johnson, Powerlands and We Are Still Here, which are limited to viewing in the United States. This program is funded in part by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Feature Films

Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun (Canada, 2023, 89 min.)
Director: Banchi Hanuse (Nuxalk Nation)

L’Inhumain (Canada, 2021, 85 min.)
Director: Jason Brennan
For mature audiences: Contains violence.

The Legend of Molly Johnson (Australia, 2021, 109 min.)
Director: Leah Turcell (Goa-Gungarri-Wakka Wakka Murri)
For mature audiences: Historical trauma. Viewing of this film is restricted to the United States.

Powerlands (USA, 2022, 75 min.)
Director: Ivey-Camille Manybeads Tso (Navajo)
Viewing of this film is restricted to the United States. Open captioning provided.

Rosie (Canada, 2022, 92 min.)
Director: Gail Maurice (Cree/Métis)
Open captioning provided.

We Are Still Here (Australia/New Zealand, 2022, 90 min.)
Directors: Beck Cole (Luritja), Chantelle Burgoyne (Samoan), Danielle MacLean (Warumungu/Luritja), Dena Curtis (Warumungu/Warlpiri/Arrernte), Mario Gaoa (Samoan), Miki Magasiva (Samoan), Renae Maihi (Ngāti Whakaue/Ngāpuhi), Richard Curtis (Ngāti Rongomai/Ngāti Pikiao), Tim Worrall (Ngāi Tūhoe), Tracey Rigney (Wotjobaluk/Ngarrindjeri)
For mature audiences. Contains violence, historical trauma, and coarse language. Viewing of this film is restricted to the United States. Open captioning provided.

Shorts Programs

Connections Shorts Program (Program running time: 92 min.)
A collection of short films that explore the unique complexities of the relationships we form within ourselves and with other people.

Future-Focused Shorts Program (Program running time: 52 min.)
Family-friendly short films that are fun for kids of all ages.

Inside Out Shorts Program (Program running time: 81 min.)
Unique short stories that defy the norms through true crime, supernatural elements and humorous twists on cultural appropriation.

Pacifika Shorts Program (Program running time: 57 min.)
Shorts from the Pacific Islands.

About the Museum

In partnership with Native peoples and their allies, the National Museum of the American Indian fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples. The museum strives toward equity and social justice for the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere through education, inspiration and empowerment. Through two locations, it features exhibitions and programs in New York City and the National Mall in Washington, D.C. For additional information, including hours and directions, visit AmericanIndian.si.edu. Follow the museum via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.