Shown here as part of a Westerns film festival (I'm an American living in a small Swiss town), I expected what the printed summary said: A documentary on the Lakota people in SD, and how their radio station KILI is a community focal point. I love South Dakota landscapes.
What I got was a fascinating portrait of life for present-day Lakota on their Pine Ridge reservation, an illuminating account of their struggles since Custer's time to carve out a decent life for themselves, and in fact, a dramatic account of conflict between them and "their" US government, that grew more riveting as the film progressed. Also, a great story, warm and humorous, about achieving and maintaining the community radio station. And, plenty of the magnificent scenery I came for!
This is a movie that every American should see. I don't know what other films exist on the subject, but it's certainly ironic that it took a Swiss team to make such an insightful and sensitive piece about an American people. It presents a struggle that far too few Americans know much about. The ignorance and disrespect in which non-native Americans hold the natives is an on-going disgrace, and this film seeks to shine a needed light. Thankfully the director avoids the harsh glare, in favor of a lower-key approach that carries us along alternating between daily-life vignettes and expositions of the bigger struggle. I left marveling that these people carry out their lives and present their story with a dignity unwarranted by the depressing reservation conditions and history. It becomes clear that that history remains very much alive, and unfinished, in their souls.
I have no idea how available this film is/will be in the US, but: Seek it out and watch!
What I got was a fascinating portrait of life for present-day Lakota on their Pine Ridge reservation, an illuminating account of their struggles since Custer's time to carve out a decent life for themselves, and in fact, a dramatic account of conflict between them and "their" US government, that grew more riveting as the film progressed. Also, a great story, warm and humorous, about achieving and maintaining the community radio station. And, plenty of the magnificent scenery I came for!
This is a movie that every American should see. I don't know what other films exist on the subject, but it's certainly ironic that it took a Swiss team to make such an insightful and sensitive piece about an American people. It presents a struggle that far too few Americans know much about. The ignorance and disrespect in which non-native Americans hold the natives is an on-going disgrace, and this film seeks to shine a needed light. Thankfully the director avoids the harsh glare, in favor of a lower-key approach that carries us along alternating between daily-life vignettes and expositions of the bigger struggle. I left marveling that these people carry out their lives and present their story with a dignity unwarranted by the depressing reservation conditions and history. It becomes clear that that history remains very much alive, and unfinished, in their souls.
I have no idea how available this film is/will be in the US, but: Seek it out and watch!