Fort Yates, ND (PRWEB) May 31, 2017
Standing Rock is “still standing strong” as supporters, filmmakers, and musicians come together for the inaugural Standing Rock Nation Film & Music Festival, June 2, 3, and 4 at the Prairie Knights Casino & Resort, 7932 ND-24, Fort Yates, North Dakota. Presented by the Oceti Sakowin (The Seven Council Fires, in association with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe), the event focuses on honoring the Water Protector Movement, youth and women.
“Oceti Sakowin is acknowledging the spirit, energy, expression, and the vision of our children and grandchildren through film. We listen and we hear their voices telling us what is important to them and we share stories, so they will not forget,” says Phyllis Young, President and Founder, Standing Rock Nation Film & Music Festival. “These stories are lessons for the next generations so they will endure through resilience, strength, healing, love, and compassion – Mni yuha najin win!”
The Standing Rock Nation Film & Music Festival has been created to support the Water Protector Movement that began at Standing Rock, as well as to strengthen the relationship between the Native American community and the film and music industry.
The Festival weekend begins on Friday, June 2, with a day to empower the youth through a music-filled rap/hip hop summit featuring cutting-edge music videos. On Saturday, June 3, the Festival will focus on defending the sacred and honoring the Water Protectors. Filmmakers and videographers who have been shooting at Standing Rock have been invited to share some of their footage and participate in discussions. A reunion of Water Protectors will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a special Water Protector ceremony. On Sunday, June 4, the Festival will honor women, the backbone of the NoDAPL fight featuring the indigenous women who have united to stop the oil pipeline, which threatens their land, water, and very existence. Speakers include Pearl Means, widow of Russell Means.
“It is our goal that this weekend Festival will empower, enlighten, and entertain the Native Community and all global citizens through film screenings, panels, and roundtable conversations,” says Mitchell Zephier, Executive Director and Founder, Standing Rock Nation Film & Music Festival.
Powerful screenings along with special panels will include: A Century of War, (by Sean Stone) that showcases the new energy technology Cold Fusion; AWAKE: A Dream from Standing Rock, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival (directed by Josh Fox, James Spione, and Myron Dewey) featuring Floris White Bull and Prolific The Rapper); The Good Mind (by Gwendolen Cates), about the Onondaga Nation (Haudenosaunee/Iroquois Confederacy) which is facing similar environmental and sovereignty issues as Standing Rock; this year’s Sundance World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award Winner RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World (by filmmakers Catherine Bainbridge and Alfonso Maiorana); Virtual Reality films Oil & Water Episode 1 “Mission Accepted” (by filmmakers Eric Fisher and Ryan Moore) and From Alcatraz to Standing Rock, featuring LaNada WarJack (co-produced and directed by Aneeta Akhurst and Cailyn Bradley), and more. Comedian Chance Rush will emcee Saturday and Sunday.
Influential music videos to be screened at the Festival include Taboo’s Stand with Standing Rock; Nataani Means Rebel Music (MTV); Frank Waln’s Oil for Blood; MC Red Eagle’s Song of Survival; Nataani Means Warrior; Spencer & Doc The Storm, and a remix of Prolific The Rapper & A Tribe Called Red’s Black Snake and more.
The Festival will wrap Sunday night with an after party and jam session featuring musician and activist Pura Fe, Prolific The Rapper, and more
Admission to the Standing Rock Nation Film & Music Festival is free, but with large crowds anticipated, attendees are encouraged to register online in advance. Donations are accepted in advance and at the door. Event hours are Friday, 1:00 – 11:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - Midnight.
For event registration, to make a donation, or for complete festival information, call 605-407-7552 or visit http://www.standingrockfilmfest.com.
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