Bird Runningwater

As the director of the Native American and Indigenous Program, the most common question I get is “How can we see these Native films that you are supporting?” It has always been a struggle for the Native audience to watch Native films. Not only is this audience isolated from art-house theaters in major cities, but Native films receive varying distribution deals that don’t quite compete in a flooded market of film releases.

In today’s world, audiences are viewing films and content in so many different ways—on their televisions, their iPads, and even their game stations. Sundance Institute continues to respond to this major change with the its Artist Services Program, which creates opportunities for audiences to view Sundance Institute–supported films on a variety of digital platforms. This creates a new opportunity for Native films that would have otherwise missed out on key audiences including the Native audience.

I am happy to announce that we have partnered with the Institute’s Artist Services Program to welcome the digital premieres of Barking Water (2009), Coming to Light: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indians (2000 SFF), and Miss Navajo (2007). To celebrate Native American Heritage month, these films are available to watch on iTunes, Amazon VOD, Xbox, Playstation, Vudu, YouTube, and SundanceNow starting November 20. As digital platforms emerge and grow, it is exciting to see work by Native American and Indigenous artists find new audiences. Please help spread the word about these great films and look for many more to come.

Click here to check out the complete selection of #ArtistServices titles.