October 30, 2008

Awards for Rich Heape docs

Indian boarding school film named ‘Best Feature Documentary’ at ICFFOn and off camera, Oklahoma Indians played key roles in Rich-Heape Films “Our Spirits Don’t Speak English: Indian Boarding School” that won the “Best Feature Documentary Award” at the International Cherokee Film Festival Oct. 11 in Catoosa, Okla. Chip Richie was honored as the best feature documentary director for the film.

“Our Spirits Don’t Speak English: Indian Boarding School” documents the past, present and future of an educational system that was designed to destroy Indian culture. Now under Indian control, the schools are teaching Indian culture and language, while preparing students for success in the future.
And:This is the second major award the Native American owned company has received from ICFF. In October 2006, “Trail of Tears: Cherokee Legacy” received the prestigious “Founders Award” at the festival. That film went on to win numerous other awards, including “Best Documentary Feature” in November 2006 at the 31st American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco.

The film will next be screened Nov. 11 at the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco and was recently chosen from more than 1,000 entries to play at the 9th Annual Santa Fe Film Festival beginning Dec. 3. For more information visit www.richheape.com.
Comment:  I've seen a fair number of Native documentaries. At the moment I can't think of a better one than Our Spirits Don’t Speak English, so give it the prize.

For more on the subjec, see Native Documentaries and News.

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