Introducing the Indigenous Voices in Film Publication Series

Over the last 18 months, the Museum has had the honor of presenting a series of public programs under the banner of Indigenous Voices in Film, an initiative dedicated to exploring the artmaking practices of Indigenous peoples in the Sacramento and Northern California regions through the lens of film, video, and media arts. This expanded project was made possible through the generous support of the Terra Foundation for American Art and has included public conversations, curated screenings, commissioned writing, an exciting new digital publication, and a culminating community forum.

By bringing together artists, scholars, filmmakers, and community leaders to share knowledge and perspectives, Indigenous Voices in Film has grown into a layered and collaborative platform. It serves as a reminder of the many contributions of Native voices to the arts.

The next phase of this dynamic project is the release of a collection of essays by Joely Proudfit, Carly Kohler, Chris Hoshnic, Pamela Peters, and Adam Piron, with editorial direction by Emily Clarke. Each essay explores a distinct relationship between an Indigenous artist or scholar and the medium of film.

In the collection, Pamela Peters offers a critique of Native stereotypes in the Western genre, while Chris Hoshnic emphasizes the importance of Indigenous languages on screen.

From Carly Kohler’s poetic personal narrative about the complexities of her father’s artistic legacy to Joely Proudfit’s incisive analysis of the challenges inherent in making or approaching Indigenous film, this collection of writing is a thought-provoking companion for anyone who is interested in Native film.

As Indigenous Voices in Film continues to grow , it reflects the Museum’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented perspectives and fostering dialogue around the evolving role of Indigenous media. The publication reflects key themes explored throughout the project, such as identity; inclusion and exclusion within the film industry; the preservation and presence of Native language; and the celebration of Native culture. We invite audiences—locally and beyond—to engage with these powerful stories and join the Crocker in honoring the creativity of Native filmmakers.

Read Indigenous Voices in Film and TV: The Audience Paradox by Dr. Joely Proudfit

Indigenous Voices in Film explores and highlights the work of Indigenous peoples at the intersection of film, video art, and media arts. Supported by a generous grant from the Terra Foundation for American Art to broaden the understanding of American art history, this project is committed to presenting films and video art created by Indigenous peoples, as well as with advancing critical discussion of these works in the region and within the museum field.