Date: October 7, 2010 From: FreeInDC Free Screening Directors: Neil Diamond, Catherine Bainbridge, and Jeremiah Hayes Canada | 2009 | 85 minutes | English |
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 Neil
Diamond of the Independent
Lens writes, "Kemosabe? Loincloths, fringed pants, and
feather headdresses? Heap big stereotypes. Reel Injun is an
entertaining trip through the evolution of North American Native people
('The Indians') as portrayed in famous Hollywood movies, from the silent
era to today. Jim Jarmusch, Clint Eastwood, Graham Greene, John Trudell,
and others provide insights into the often demeaning and occasionally
hilariously absurd stereotypes perpetuated on the big screen through
Hollywood's history."
National Geographic calls Reel Injun "A humorous mash up of more than 50 years of Hollywood film stereotypes of American Indians. Playing off of the classic rivalry of cowboys and Indians, director Neil Diamond (Canadian First Nation Cree) explores how Hollywood’s stoic, stereotypical portrayals of the American Indian have informed—and misinformed—the world’s perception of Native Americans. Framed by a travelogue, the film follows Diamond as he travels from northwest Canada to Hollywood, interviewing actors, activists, directors, and writers and visiting famous filming locations. An Official Selection at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival, Reel Injun is a lighthearted and humorous, yet deep, documentary with appearances by Clint Eastwood, Jim Jarmusch, Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American activist who declined the 1973 Best Actor Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando as a protest against the mistreatment of Native Americans, and many more well-known Hollywood characters. Reel Injun has recently been nominated for 4 Gemini Awards, including Best Direction in a Documentary Program." This free film series is presented by ITVS and local partners including WHUT, Busboys and Poets, the Washington DCJCC, SALSA, and the Center for Social Media. ITVS Community is the national community engagement program of the Independent Television Service (ITVS) and the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Independent Lens. To RSVP, call 202-939-0794 or email reelinjun@communitycinema.org.
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