Dreamspeakers International Film Festival facts for kids
The Dreamspeakers International Film Festival is an exciting yearly film festival held in Edmonton, Alberta. It showcases films made by and about First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and other indigenous peoples from around the world.
This festival is the oldest of its kind in Canada. It first started in 1992. However, its very first event had some disagreements. A group called the First Nations Filmmakers Alliance wanted certain films removed. They felt these films were not made by indigenous filmmakers. The Alliance threatened to boycott the festival if their demands were not met. In the end, five out of six disputed films were pulled. Only one film, Incident at Oglala, remained.
Some filmmakers were unhappy with this decision. For example, John Paskievich and Peter von Puttkamer felt their films were wrongly excluded. They believed their movies were important for education. After this, the festival's organizers changed how films were chosen. Many people now consider 1993 as the true start of the festival in its current form.
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About the Dreamspeakers Festival
The Dreamspeakers Festival celebrates the stories and voices of indigenous people. It provides a platform for filmmakers to share their unique cultures. The festival helps people learn about different traditions and experiences. It is a place where art and education come together.
A Short Break and Return
The festival did not happen in 1999. This was because it could not get money from the city of Edmonton. But it returned in 2003! It was first part of another festival called the Global Visions Film Festival. Then, in 2004, Dreamspeakers became its own separate event again.
Honoring Indigenous Leaders
The festival also organizes something special called the Dreamspeakers Walk of Honour. This is like a public walk of fame in Beaver Hills House Park in Edmonton. It celebrates important Canadian indigenous people. Their achievements are recognized for everyone to see.
Dreamspeakers During Challenging Times
Like many events, the Dreamspeakers Festival faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the festival had to be cancelled. But in 2021, Christine Sokaymoh Frederick, the festival's executive director, and her team found a way. They moved the entire program of 35 films online. This allowed people to enjoy the festival safely from home.
