Native American Film Series Opens Oct. 27

10/20/2015 

A film that follows the Thompson brothers from the Onondaga Nation as they pursue their dreams of playing lacrosse at Syracuse University will launch SUNY Cortland’s Native American Film Series on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Presented by the College’s Native American Studies Program, the series is free and open to the public. The three films will be presented at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in Sperry Center, Room 205.

“Medicine Game” (2014) tells of the story of Hiana and Jeremy Thompson from central New York. The obstacles in their way are frequent and daunting, but their love for the game, each other and their family’s unyielding determination, propels these youth towards their dream. The film is directed and produced by Lukas Korver and runs 70 minutes.

“Lacrosse is more than just a game — it's a way of life, it’s a heritage,” Korver said. “It’s being Iroquois. It’s being Native American. It’s a part of their culture, their religion, who they are.”

“Winter in the Blood,” (2013) is the story of a man who is having a hard time dealing with?the pitfalls of his life and the elements working against him, will be shown Nov. 3. Set partially on the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana, the film is based on a James Welch novel. Directed by Alex and?Andrew Smith, the movie runs 98 minutes.

“Language Healers” (2014) will be shown on Nov. 10. This film follows the movement that is going across the country on the importance of saving Native American languages and introduces some of the people who are working hard to save these national treasures.

The series is sponsored by a grant from the Auxiliary Services Corporation, Native American Studies and Center for Gender and Intercultural Studies.

For more information, contact Technology Support Specialist Emerita Dawn Van Hall. vanhalld@cortland.edu