It’s impossible to quantify the impact of Native films. The documentaries correct false perceptions and the fictional stories are universally cathartic. They remind their viewers that Indigenous people have always been vital to America’s identity and evolution. The films in this column assert this truth through music, sport, and even healing from trauma. They also share stories that affirm the bonds of family and the necessity of caring for fellow human beings.         

For the third year running, I’m thrilled to recommend some of the wonderful works Indigenous people have written, directed, produced, and starred in.    

1. Rumble: The Indian Who Rocked the World
   This documentary celebrates Native Americans’ contributions to popular music. This eye-opening documentary is named after the 1958 Link Wray (Shawnee) song that is credited with creating the “power chord” and which also has the distinction of being the only song without lyrics to be banned in New York and Boston for fear it would incite riots. It explains how Charlie Patton (Choctaw) was the “Father of the Delta Blues” who influenced the entire genre. It celebrates the contributions of rock musicians Robbie Robertson (Mohawk) of the Band, Jesse Ed Davis (Comanche and Kiowa) who played with various members of the Beatles, and Randy Castillo (Isleta Pueblo) who drummed for both Ozzy Osborne and Mötley Crüe. Still, the most revealing parts are when musicians dissect the work of their peers and explicate upon how the heart of Indigenous music beats throughout the songs created by these luminaries. (Available on Amazon Video)          
2. Deidra and Laney Rob a Train
   This is a comedic film about two teenage sisters who are forced to steal to make ends meet when their mother is imprisoned. Directed by Institute of American Indian Arts faculty member Sydney Freeland (Diné), this fictional story follows the girls’ budding criminal enterprise through the perils of planning and staging their heists, moving their loot, and evading the detective sent to apprehend them. There’s a lot to chuckle about in the diverse cast’s portrayals, but the film also explores issues of one’s own self-worth. Criminal enterprise aside, the film is perfect for young teens who are dreaming of a future beyond their present challenges. It has a lot of memorable moments, and as one might assume by its title, it never takes itself too seriously. (Available on Netflix) 
3. Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation
   This is a compelling documentary that follows the Iroquois Nationals team’s road to the 2015 World Box Lacrosse Championships. Along the way, the meaning of the game is interspersed through interviews with cultural experts and historians. Lacrosse is the Iroquois medicine game, and the film explains how playing it means more to their people than merely the thrill of competition. The stakes were further raised because this was the first time the championship games were held on an Indian reservation. Moreover, they were played in Onondaga, New York, the heart of the Iroquois Confederacy. There’s much to cheer for, from the thrill of the games to the knowledge the speakers impart. It’s impossible not to be engrossed by an admirable team carrying the aspirations of their people. (Available on Amazon Video)    
4. Wind River
   This is a powerful film about crime, isolation, and humanity set on the Wind River reservation. Its bleak cinematography serves as a sobering reminder of the hardships of investigating rape and murder in tribal communities where resources are scarce and the tribal police are overburdened. While some may dismiss the film as another case of Hollywood depicting non-Native law enforcement coming to the aid of Native people, doing so would mean overlooking potent performances by a powerful ensemble cast that includes both Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olson, as well as veteran Native actors Graham Greene (Oneida), Gil Birmingham (Comanche), Julia Jones (Choctaw and Chickasaw), Tantoo Cardinal (Metis), and Tokala Black Elk (Oglala Lakota). This film is haunting, and the didactic message at the end serves as a sobering reminder of the tragic reality Native women endure within the American justice system. (Available on Amazon Video)
5. Dakota 38
   I love this 2012 documentary about reconciliation and healing, and the fact that many Native film buffs haven’t seen it demands that I trumpet it more than five years after its release. Jim Miller (Oglala Lakota) had a dream that inspired him to lead a ride from Lower Brule, South Dakota to Mankato, Minnesota to arrive at the hanging site on the anniversary of the 1862 execution of 38 Dakota warriors. The film depicts history, heartache, healing, and kindness shared between the riders, the film crew, and the non-Natives who open their homes and hearts to the message of understanding and forgiveness. The film’s subject matter is equally heartbreaking and uplifting. Since the ride takes place in the middle of winter, now is the perfect time to watch this film and reflect upon the meaning behind the protagonists’ journey. (Available on YouTube)            

Native films are becoming increasingly important and streaming them is allowing America’s first citizens to share their stories with more people than at any other time in history. As always, my list was hardly exhaustive, but I’m confident that after viewing any of these films you’ll be inspired to tell others to add them to their own playlists. 

Ryan Winn teaches English, theater, and communication at College of Menominee Nation, where he has been recognized as the American Indian College Fund’s Faculty Member of the Year.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the Inquisitive Academic or any other opinion columns published by the Tribal College Journal (TCJ) do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TCJ or the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.