MU to host Native American film series

COLUMBIA — Two films that premiered at previous Sundance film festivals will be shown free to the public as part of MU’s upcoming Native American film series.

Sterlin Harjo's 2007 film, “Four Sheets to the Wind,” will be shown Monday evening. The film begins with a tragic death and then unveils the reality of mourning and family growth when the lead character leaves his reservation for a big-city life.

Larry Blackhorse Lowe's 2005 film, “5th World,” will be shown Tuesday evening. It is a story about two young members of the Navajo tribe and their hitchhiking journey across the Navajo reservation, which leads to adventure and love.

Joanna Hearne, of the MU English Department, said that the films should be of interest to students who want t0 be “diversity media makers,” or filmmakers, but also to those who are falling in love and experiencing independent life away from home.

Hearne said she thinks the films’  "dynamic, emerging" Native American directors should inspire young filmmakers, especially those on a budget. Acccording to Hearne, both films were made on a budget.

The films also offer students a different perspective of life, said Bria Scudder, co-chair of the student minority organization Four Front. Scudder said she thinks that the directors are "really cool people and accomplished for a young age," and, like Hearne, that they could be an inspiring image for film students.

Scudder, who is a former Missourian reporter, said the film series is particularly important because there is no recognized Native American student group on campus.

A question-and-answer session with the directors will follow the showings of their films. There will also be a similar session specifically for those interested in film studies from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday in room S16 of Memorial Student Union.

The film series is sponsored by MU’s Multicultural Center, Four Front and the English Department.