In Jáaji Approx Sky Hopinka of the Ho-Chunk Nation encapsulates the complexities of memory, ancestry, and travel through recordings of his father — in only eight minutes.

For one night only, specialty film house Cinema Detroit will explore six Sundance Institute selected short works from Native American filmmakers.

"Our mission has always been to spotlight underrepresented voices and Native American filmmakers definitely qualify," Cinema Detroit co-founder Paula Guthat says. 

Among the stories shared through the selected works are that of indigenous sovereignty and injustice, as shown in The Violence of a Civilization Without Secrets to the struggle of a young Anishinaabe man within inner city Minneapolis as expressed by Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr.'s (Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians) Shinaab and Alter-Native, the story of Native American fashion designer Bethany Yellowtail as shared by director Billy Luther (Navajo/Hopi/Laguna Pueblo).

Following the screening, writer and director Shaandiin Tome will conduct a Q&A regarding her short film Mud (HASHTŁ’ISHNII) which chronicles one woman's battle with alcoholism while forging a connection with her son.

Sundance Native Shorts Program begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 2 at Cinema Detroit; 4126 Third St., Detroit; 313-482-9028; cinemadetroit.com; Event is free, RSVP is encouraged.  


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