AIFI's 2010 nominees

The 35th Annual American Indian Film Festival® Announces American Indian Motion Picture Award NomineesThe American Indian Film Institute (AIFI) and title sponsor the Seminole Tribe of Florida are proud to announce the nominees for the 35th annual American Indian Film Festival. The awards will be presented at the annual American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show on Saturday Nov. 13 at 6:00p.m at the historic Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

The American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show (established in 1978) has recognized excellence in American Indian cinematic achievement, making the annual awards show one of the most prominent Indian country and Native cinema showcases.

Best Film

Of Mice and Men, Kyle Hudlin-Whelan, director

Two Indians Talking, Sara McIntyre, director

A Windigo Tale, Armand Garnet Ruffo, director

Best Director

Kyle Hudlin-Whelan, Of Mice and Men

Sara McIntyre, Two Indians Talking

Rodrick Pocowatchit, The Dead Can’t Dance

Jeremy Torrie, A Flesh Offering

Best Actor

Nathaniel Arcand, Two Indians Talking

John Cook, Of Mice and Men

Rodrick Pocowatchit, The Dead Can’t Dance

Gary Farmer, A Windigo Tale

Best Actress

Andrea Menard, A Windigo Tale

Kaniehtiio Horn, A Flesh Offering

Best Supporting Actor

Justin Rain, Two Indians Talking

Winter Fox Frank, Behind the Door of a Secret Girl

Stanley Wood, Of Mice and Men

Best Supporting Actress

Jani Lauzon, A Windigo Tale

Casey Camp-Horinek, Behind the Door of a Secret Girl

Comment:  Looks like the same half dozen films got all the nominations. None of them are getting much coverage in the mainstream media.

Ironically, the horror-oriented films probably have the best chance of breaking through to a wider audience. Sigh.

For more on the nominated movies, see Wendigo Movies in imagineNATIVE 2010 and Two Indians Talking Voted Most Popular. For more on the subject in general, see AIFI's 2008 Nominees and The Best Indian Movies.