Institute History
Description
In Deep Inside Clint Star, Clint Alberta is a superstar, visionary, sex symbol, and superhero. Just ask him. This reflexive documentary sports innovative filmmaking and cuts the edge of Native cinema to date. Alberta, assuming the character of Clint Star, approaches themes such as sex, abuse, shoes, and identity in a nontraditional way. Engaging his subjects at a level of intimacy that is moving and fiercely evocative, Star juxtaposes himself against the society and culture he explores. Documentary filmmaker Annie Fraziér Henry returns to Sundance for the third time with her first dramatic piece, Legends sxwexwxwiy’am: The Story of Siwash Rock. Inspired by a Coast Salish rite of passage for young men, Legends is a contemporary story of young love, parenthood, and cultural identity. Andrew (Dakota House) and his young companion, Kelsy (Vania Stager), will soon have their first child. Challenged by the misunderstanding of his peers, Andrew turns to the old ways to find strength and guidance. Legends is narrated by the renowned Squamish elder, Simon Baker. Fraziér Henry succeeds in telling a touching and relevant tale utilizing emerging Native talent in her own community, many of whose lives parallel the events of the story. Fraziér Henry’s documentary Singing Our Stories was shown at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival.