When Your Hands Are Tied
Date: Thursday, November 5th, 3:00 pm
CarlsonTheater
When Your
Hands Are Tied is an educational film that explores the
unique ways in which young native people are finding to express
themselves in the contemporary world while maintaining strong
traditional lives.
Since native youth do not often see reflections of themselves or their
communities in mainstream media, we wanted to make a film that features
contemporary native kids and role models who are finding exciting and
positive ways to direct their lives. We also wanted young
people to learn the importance of self-motivation in combination with
traditional teachings to help prepare for the challenges of everyday
life.
Some of the people we meet are:
Navajo rappers, who rap in English and in Navajo, with a mission to
communicate to young people the importance of embracing mainstream
culture and education as well as their own native languages, customs
and traditions.
Navajo punk rock musicians, whose style is Native American Punk-Rock or
“Alter Native” with strong sociopolitical messages about government
oppression, relocation of indigenous people, eco-cide, genocide,
domestic violence and human rights.
Apache Skate Boarders, who through their travels across the country,
have learned about filmmaking, photography, and self worth. They have
also learned how to carry the message of who they are and where they
come from as they pursue their own individual goals.
The Governor of Nambe Pueblo, an avid dancer started a break-dance team
to help kids stay active and healthy. The break-dancers come from many
tribes around the southwest and are encouraged to participate in their
traditional dances at home.