The 1989 film Powwow Highway, a classic of Native American cinema, is based on the novel by David Seals and was shot here in New Mexico by director Jonathan Wacks (a former department chair for the film program at the late, great College of Santa Fe). It follows the journey of two Cheyenne Indian friends with very different outlooks on life: Philbert Bono (Gary Farmer), a spiritual seeker trying to find answers to life’s questions, and Buddy Red Bow (A Martinez), a realist who sees the world in black-and-white terms. When Buddy’s sister is jailed in Santa Fe, the mismatched pals hit the highway in a dilapidated 1964 Buick to bail her out. This Thursday, Aug. 29, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (in partnership with the 24th Annual Red Nation International Film Festival) is hosting a special 30th anniversary screening for the film. It starts at 7pm with a meet-and-greet with the film’s star, local actor Gary Farmer. At 8pm there will be a drum contest. The film itself starts at 8:30pm in IPCC’s courtyard. Bring your own blankets and chairs. A $5 suggested donation gets you in the door. The IPCC is located at 2401 12th Street NW. For more info go to indianpueblo.org.
Reel World: #Protectthearctic #Protectthearctic
“Welcome to Gwichyaa Zhee” is a short documentary connecting the environmental threats to Bears Ears National Monument in Utah and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska through the perspectives of the Diné (Navajo) and Gwich’in (First Nations). This Thursday, Aug. 29, you can catch the film at Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. (602 McKnight Ave. NW) starting at 6pm. Admission is free. All ages are welcome. Speakers will be there to show viewers how they can stand with the Gwich’in Nation to protect the Arctic.
Reel World: Mix It Up Mix It Up
The New Mexico Film Foundation is sponsoring another one of its patented Filmmaker Mixers at Rock & Brews (4800 Montgomery Blvd. NE) this Saturday, Aug. 31, from 1 to 4pm. This a great chance for amateur and professional writers, directors, actors and film crew members from around the state to meet one another and socialize. This month’s mixer also serves as an introduction for many to new Albuquerque Film Office Director Amber Dodson, who will be there with Barbara Kerford, site outreach director for the New Mexico Film Office. Food and drink are available for purchase, of course, and there will be a few doorprize giveaways courtesy of NMFF.
Reel World: Magnificent Start Magnificent Start
¡Cine Magnifico!, Albuquerque’s homegrown Latino Film Festival, hits the National Hispanic Cultural Center Sept. 4 through 8 with loads of documentaries, features and short films. We’ll have a rundown of the various films in next week’s paper. But it all kicks off this coming Wednesday, Sept. 4, with a VIP opening reception at the NHCC (1701 Fourth Street SW) starting at 6pm. Join organizers and audience members for tapas and drinks before the opening night film, Black is Beltza. That animated film comes from Spain and relates the true story of artists/puppeteers from San Fermin, who came to America in 1965 to participate in a New York City parade, only to come face-to-face with America’s racial problems. Admission is $10 general or $8 students and seniors. You can grab tickets in advance at cinemagnifico.com.
