The 35th First Nations Film and Video Festival begins by honoring the continuing contributions of Native American Women Directors with the Chicago Premiere of NiiMisSak: Sisters in Film.
Showtimes
Wednesday, November 5
7:00pm – Introduction by FNFVF founder Beverly Moeser (Menominee) + Screening
8:20pm –Post-screening reception in FACETS Lounge
Ticketing
Free with RSVP
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This feature-length documentary offers an intimate and powerful look at the lives of five Indigenous directors in British Columbia, exploring their shared truths, creative struggles, and the resilience it takes to navigate the film and documentary industry as IsKweWak (Indigenous women) storytellers. Anchoring their journeys is the wisdom and influence of celebrated Abenaki filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin, the matriarch of Indigenous cinema.
The screening will open with a special message from director Jules Arita Koostachin and conclude with a conversation with FNFVF Originator Beverly Moeser (Menominee), reflecting on the film’s themes and the broader legacy of Native Women in film.
“The 35th FNFVF is funded in part by Illinois Humanities, the Illinois Arts Council, and the Crossroads Fund
Jules Koostachin, Canada, 2024, 70 mins, DCP
In English without subtitles
FILMMAKER INTRODUCTION (PRE-RECORDED)
Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin (Attawapiskat) is an award-winning filmmaker, mother, writer, performance artist and academic. With her background in community work, social justice themes emerge in her films, alongside bravery, healing, connection and humour. Jules honours her Cree-speaking grandparents who raised her, and her mother, a residential school Survivor/warrior. Relying on a creative eye, keen mind and strong heart, Jules’ accomplishments include raising four sons while pursuing academics and artistry. Graduating from Concordia University’s Theatre program, Jules went on to Ryerson University’s Documentary Media master’s program, receiving early recognition with an Award of Distinction and an Academic Gold Medal for her thesis documentary film, Remembering Inninimowin. Jules went on to do her Ph.D. in Indigenous documentary and protocols and processes, through the Institute of Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice program at the University of British Columbia. Jules is represented by The Characters Talent (acting) and Lucas Talent (writing, directing).
35TH ANNUAL FIRST NATIONS FILM AND VIDEO FESTIVAL
First Nations Film and Video Festival, Inc. (FNFVF) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous cinema. As the host of Chicago’s largest Native American film festival, FNFVF has become the leading resource in the region for Native-produced films and is trusted by Native American filmmakers as the premier platform to bring their work to the screen.
