A Time for Dancing: The 2024 Alaska Native Filmmakers Intensive 2024
Photo by: Maka Monture Paki
July 15, 2024 | Written By: Maka Monture Paki and Enei Begaye
“Native professional filmmakers teaching emerging Native filmmakers, filming Native storytellers – this feels like a real Native Movement!” Those were the words of Maddy Alvanna after spending a couple hours with her dance group at the 2024 Alaska Native Filmmakers Intensive.
April in Sitnasuak (Nome) Alaska was still full of snow and high winds, yet the second Alaska Native Filmmakers Intensive, hosted by Native Movement and Always Indigenous Media, was not deterred. The challenges of getting to rural Alaska in April were real, yet 15 student filmmakers, 5 Indigenous teachers, and 3 support staff were able to be at the week-long in-person intensive. The learning started well before that week, however, with 5 two-hour online zoom sessions every week leading up to the Nome in-person session.
Participants enhanced their filmmaking skills – delving into camera, audio, lighting, and editing techniques. Participants learned from Indigenous film professionals to foster mentor relationships within the industry. Training on narrative justice and photography was also provided. The footage is now going through a post-production process and screenings will be planned in the future.
“A powerful part to me was that the intensive underscored the critical importance of Indigenous narrative sovereignty, recognizing it as fundamental to preserving cultural heritage, reclaiming Indigenous voices, and challenging dominant narratives that often overlook or misrepresent Indigenous experiences.”
Our teachers brought a diverse range of skills and knowledge to the intensive, covering critical theory, creative direction, cinematography, sound, visual style, photography, storytelling, and more. Each one contributed uniquely to the Alaska Native filmmakers participating in the program.
This included:
Princess Johnson: Expertise: Critical and creative theory in filmmaking.
Alex Sallee: Expertise: Direction, sound, visual style.
Robert Hunter III: Expertise: Cinematography, camera build.
Razelle Benally: Expertise: Direction, perspective, and story development.
Jenny Irene Miller: Expertise: Photography and photography theory.
Rachel Edwardson: Expertise: Preparatory session and pre-production.
Photo by: Maka Monture Paki
Departing from conventional narratives, the final film will center on the drum's heartbeat as a symbol of resilience and unity. Amidst all that has happened in the community of Nome in the aftermath of Typhoon Merbok, in the community of Nome, the rhythm of the drum emerges as a guiding force, driving the community forward.
The role rotation system developed on set allowed students to gain practical experience in each of these essential filmmaking roles. This hands-on approach not only built technical skills but also fosters a well-rounded understanding of the collaborative nature of filmmaking. It's a great way for aspiring filmmakers to discover their strengths and interests within the industry. The students got to try out a different roles with including:
Assistant Camera:
As assistant camera operators, students would have assisted with camera setup, focusing, an operating the camera under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Supporting Talent:
There opportunities to work as supporting talent, collecting media releases and ensuring honorarium, and understanding how directors and crew interact with performers.
Directing:
Students had the opportunity to take on the role of a director, learning how to guide the overall vision of the film, work with actors, and make creative decisions.
Lighting:
They also practiced lighting techniques, which are crucial for setting the mood, highlighting subjects, and creating atmosphere in scenes.
Photo by: Maka Monture Paki
PARTICIPANTS ALSO RECEIVED:
A monetary stipend
Connections to experts in media-making
Travel, housing, food costs covered during the in-person session
Access to quality filmmaking equipment
WHAT PARTICIPANTS LEARNED:
Production and filmmaking tools to continue with telling our own stories from our own perspectives as Indigenous peoples.
Six weeks of pre-session that focused on narrative justice and Story development
Cinematic video camera setup and operations
Production set microphone setups and operations
Cinematic lighting setups and operations.
Video editing review tools
Career development and networking
A special thanks to instructors: Alex Sallee, Princess Johnson, Robert Hunter III, Razelle Benally, Jenny Irene Miller, and Rachel Edwardson. Quyana to our local partners, Kunaq Tahbone and the Katirvik Cultural Center, and the Community members from the community of Nome.
Photo by: Rodney Evans