Native American film fest rolls into town

By William Arnold
P-1 Film Critic

The first Northwest Indigenous Film Festival, a touring retrospective of local and international Native American filmmakers, will make its Seattle stop this weekend at two venues.

The festival kicks off tonight at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (104 17th Ave. S.) with a 6 p.m. community celebration, followed by a 7:30 p.m. showing of "Tattoo on My Heart," a documentary about the 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee, with an after-screening panel discussion by veterans of the event.

The 9:45 p.m. offering at Langston Hughes will be "Homeland," a study of the environmental hazards that threaten Indian nations, with an appearance by Native American activist Evon Peter, whose Gwich'in tribe is leading a campaign to save the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The scene switches to the Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave.) Saturday and Sunday with screenings of "The Salt Song Trail: Bringing Creation Back Together," "Pulling Together," "Usual and Accustomed Places" and repeats of "Homeland" and "Tattoo on My Heart."

Tickets for opening night at Langston Hughes are $15, $10 for students. Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday shows at the Central Cinema (www.central-cinema.com) are $5; a weekend pass is $25.