Indigenous

“Moloka’i Bound” Shines with Dual Wins at 44th Hawaii International Film Festival, Highlighting Indigenous Talent and Local Narratives[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0mRPMX-WCc[/embed]

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Honolulu, Hawaii – The stunning backdrop of Oahu set the stage for the 44th annual Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) held from October 3-13 at Consolidated Theatres Kāhala. The festival spotlighted a mix of local and international films, closing with a private awards gala at the illustrious Halekūlani Hotel on October 12. The winners of the festival’s juried awards were announced during the gala, signaling a successful competition especially for films made in Hawai‘i. A highlight of this year’s festival was the impressive showing of Hawai‘i films. Local filmmakers particularly shone brightly, taking home a … Read more

Beneath the Flames: A Tacana Leader’s Stand to Shield Indigenous Villages from Amazon Wildfires

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RURRENABAQUE, Bolivia — On a day tinted with the acrid smoke of the Amazon ablaze, Dario Mamio Serato stood alone wielding a machete, his efforts a desperate bid to carve a break in the fuel feeding the inferno rapidly nearing his village. As smoke obscured the sky and panic filled the air, the survival of three indigenous Tacana villages hung precariously in the balance, with dozens of families still scrambling to evacuate. The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the planet’s lungs, was suffocating under a blanket of smoke, and with it was Serato, a … Read more

Melbourne International Film Festival 2024 Spotlights Emerging Filmmakers and Honors Indigenous Cinema with Prestigious New Awards

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Melbourne, Australia – The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is set to make waves this year with its announcement of a distinguished jury panel for the $140,000 Bright Horizons Award, aimed at recognizing emerging filmmakers. The festival is also generating buzz with the introduction of the Uncle Jack Charles Award, honoring the legacy of the late actor and activist. The Bright Horizons Award, dedicated to first or second-time directors, showcases innovative and visionary talents from across the globe. Ivan Sen, an acclaimed Australian filmmaker, will serve as the jury president. He is joined by an … Read more

Indigenous Canadians File Lawsuit Alleging Non-Consensual Medical Experiment, Revealing Troubling History of Healthcare Discrimination

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ALMA, CANADA — A class-action lawsuit has been filed by members of the Pictou Landing First Nation, claiming that they were subjected to a secret medical experiment without their consent. The lawsuit, recently certified by the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, highlights the ongoing concerns regarding Canada’s history of medical experimentation on indigenous peoples and the discrimination they face within the healthcare system. According to the statement of claim, Chief Andrea Paul and 60 other members of the First Nation underwent an MRI for a medical research project in 2017. However, Chief Paul alleges that she … Read more