Horace Axtell's Prayer for Filmakers Worldwide
Horace Axtell and filmmaker Sonya Rosario
2010 Native American American Film Festival
Sapatq'ayn (suh-pot-kine) is a Nez Perce word meaning "to display" (verb) or "a motion picture" (noun). Established in 2003, Sapatq'ayn Cinema screens films written, directed and acted by Native Americans, with a focus on contemporary Native experience. The festival’s goals are to enrich our understanding of Native American artistry, culture and history, and to improve intercultural relationships. Sapatq’ayn Cinema is sponsored by the University of Idaho American Indian Studies Program and The Idaho Humanities Council .
Ceremonial Opening
Nez Perce Elder, film lover and National Medal of Arts Winner, Horace Axtell will open the festival with a blessing acompanied by the University of Idaho Native American Student Drum. The screening of the film Reel Injun will begin after the ceremony, followed by audience discussion.
Read Horace Axtell's interview with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).