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2018 Film Festival GuideRIGHTSHUMANNORTH DAKOTAFILM FESTIVAL

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORSNorth Dakota Human Rights Film Festival

2018 Film Festival GuideWelcomeWhen we started this journey in November 2016, we had a simple goal: to provide a forum forfilmmakers and artists who were documenting human rights violations and social injustices throughtheir work. As we reflect on the world, our nation and our state in 2018, it’s clear that continuing to provide this forum of ideas, perspective, education and information is as important today as it was then.We weren’t sure what kind of response we would get to the first film festival of its kind in North Dakota. We were pleasantly surprised. Our first evening of screenings had only individual seats open, and our subsequent screenings were sold out. Due to that extreme interest, I’m excited to share that the festival has extended this year to include two additional cities in North Dakota.The films you’ll see this week in Grand Forks, Bismarck and Fargo include work from North Dakota, from across the country and from around the world. We’re grateful to be able to represent so many different viewpoints. The final schedule of 30 films represents 10 countries.On behalf of the entire team, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the second annual North Dakota Human Rights FilmFestival. Thank you for supporting the important work of these filmmakers and the humanitarian efforts they document.We hope you enjoy the programming our Jury has selected for you, and we hope that you leave the festival inspired by the individuals working to protect our fundamental human rights.With love and respect,Sean Coffman, 2018 Festival Chair,Executive Director, The Human FamilyJoin the conversation #NDHRFF18

Thursday,November 8Empire Arts CenterGrand Forks, NDAfternoon Session1:00 – 4:30 PMUnnatural Selection(Inégalité des Chances)Year: 2017 | 15 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): FrenchDirected by: Geneviève DeloucheCountry of Origin: FranceLate for work, Julie, 35, gets harassed in the street by Karim, 25. Upon arriving at work, Julie discovers that the candidate with whom she must hold a job interview is none other than Karim. Determined to take revenge, she will show him what unnatural selection is.The Right to Learn Year: 2018 | 30 minGenre: Short DocumentaryLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Conor DeVriesCountry of Origin: Canada“The Right to Learn” investigates the drasticincrease in higher education costs in Canada over the past few decades. It follows threestudents as they navigate the real-world effects of this rise in tuition, as well as the impact seen within educational institutions andCanadian culture at large.North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival

The Providers Year: 2018 | 1 hour 25 minGenre: Feature DocumentaryLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Laura Green and Anna Moot-LevinCountry of Origin: United StatesSet against the backdrop of the physicianshortage and opioid epidemic in ruralAmerica, “The Providers” follows three healthcare providers in northern New Mexico. They work at El Centro, a group of safety-net clinics that offer care to all who walk through the doors,regardless of ability to pay. Amidst personal struggles that reflect those of their patients, the journeys of the providers unfold as they work to reach rural Americans who would otherwise be left out of the healthcare system.With intimate access, the documentary shows thetransformative power of providers’ relationships with marginalized patients.Hotel Everest Year: 2017 | 39 minGenre: Short DocumentaryLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Claudia SobralCountry of Origin: United States“Hotel Everest” is a story about individuals who have the courage to overcome ancient hatreds, fear and mistrust to find a better and more peaceful way for themselves, their communities and their families. They come together tounderstand the humanity in “the other,” and forge connections that promote empathy,understanding and, in their wildest hopes, peace. The film is not a historical account of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict but acontemporary, experiential film about iving within it.Emigration Year: 2017 | 30 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): PersianDirected by: A. Hassan KeivanCountry of Origin: IranA sculptor and her family are emigrating from Iran, but before leaving the capital, the citycouncil commissions her to create a public sculpture. She accepts, as her heart is not yet committed to leaving. Meanwhile, her husband and son leave ahead of her. She talks to them often. She suspends her classes at the university, although some students still seek her advice at her workshop. She begins work on the sculpture while taking care of her elderly mother. Afterfinally committing to leaving, the sculptorhesitates on the taxi ride to the airport and…Join the conversation #NDHRFF18

Thursday,November 8Empire Arts CenterGrand Forks, NDEvening Session6:00 – 10:00 PMWhat is Human? Year: 2018 | 5 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Jake BergenCountry of Origin: CanadaA victim of a war-ravaged past, an auntie in an African orphanage sees history repeating itself in the lives of the children she cares for – andconsiders life as she looks at a new generation of children dealing with age-old problems.Are You Volleyball?!Year: 2017 | 15 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): Arabic, EnglishDirected by: Mohammad BakhshiCountry of Origin: IranA group of Arabian-speaking asylum seekersarrive to an English-speaking country border and can’t keep going. They clash with border soldiers every day till a deaf-mute baby becomes acatalyst for better communication between the two groups.North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival

This is Home: A Refugee Story Year: 2018 | 1 hour 31 minGenre: Feature DocumentaryLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Alexandra ShivaCountry of Origin: United States“This is Home” is an intimate portrait of four Syrian refugee families arriving in America andstruggling to find their footing. Displaced from their homes and separated from loved ones, they are given eight months of assistance from the International Rescue Committee to become self-sufficient. As they learn to adapt to challenges, including the newly imposed travel ban, their strength and resilience are tested. It is a universal story, highlighted by humor and heartbreak, about what it’s like to start over, no matter the obstacles.After surviving the traumas of war, the families arrive in Baltimore, Maryland, and are met with a new set of trials. They attend cultural orientation classes and job training sessions where theymust “learn America” – everything from how to take public transportation to negotiating newgender roles – all in an ever-changing and increasingly hostile political environment. Their goals are completely relatable: find a job, pay the bills and make a better life for the next generation.We witness the families’ struggles and triumphs up close through the drama of everyday life. Through intimate access, this cinema vérité film takes a fresh look at the classic Americanimmigration story and challenges us to see past differences to find common ground. “This is Home” goes beyond the statistics, headlines and political rhetoric to tell deeply personal stories, putting a human face on the global refugee crisis.Dak’toká Taíno (I Am Taíno) Year: 2018 | 13 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): SpanishDirected by: Alba Enid GarcíaCountry of Origin: United StatesA young Taíno girl, Marabelí, visits her grandma, Abuela Yaya, after Hurricane María. Marabelíexpresses her fears of survival, while Abuela Yaya comforts her and reminds her of theirresilient Taíno ancestors and challenging history. This film warmly reflects in the future of Puerto Ricans as an indigenous society.Mrs. Schneider Year: 2018 | 10 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Michael Matheson MillerCountry of Origin: United StatesIn 1950s Brooklyn, a young boy’s idyllicchildhood is changed after a simple interaction with his Jewish neighbor.Join the conversation #NDHRFF18

Hussein worked as the Community Liaison Officer at Metro State University and as a Planner for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. In 2013, he created Zeila Consultants to develop and offer cross-cultural training workshops on East African cultures. Hussein has presented on the Somali culture to diverse public and private organizations across the U.S. He specialies in the areas of urban planning, community develop-ment, youth development (with over 8 years experience in working in juvenile treatment centers for court adjudicated youth), legal and civil rights.Cynthia ShabbExecutive Director,Global Friends CoalitionCynthia Shabb is theexecutive director ofGlobal Friends Coalition, a nonrofit with the missionof fostering refugee integration in the Greater Grand Forks Community. Global Friends works with over 260 volunteers a year, serving 230+ New Americans. Shabb earned a B.S. degree in English education from the University of Minnesota, a master’s in Library Science from Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of North Dakota.Moderator Ifrah Esse Attorney & Small Business Owner Ifrah Esse is an attorney and a small business owner in Grand Forks, ND. She arrived in the U.S. at the age of 10 as a refugee along with her parents and 8 siblings. Prior to attend-ing law school, Ifrah was a social worker who worked predominately with runaway and delinquent youth. Ifrah is very passionate about social justice issues and hopes to focus her legal career in advocating for marginalized communities.PanelistsJaylani Hussein Executive Director, CAIR-MinnesotaJaylani Hussein is currently the executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council onAmerican-IslamicRelations (CAIR-MN). North Dakota Human Rights Film FestivalPanelDiscussionThe Immigrant andRefugee ExperienceDuration: 60 minutes with audience Q&A Join us for a discussion about the Immigrantand Refugee Experience. In the midst of racialtensions in Grand Forks, the discussion will focus on dispelling the myths around immigrationprocesses and services, and identify waysthe Grand Forks community can become awelcoming community for all who call it home.

Reginald‘Reggie’ TarrResettlement Coordinator, Lutheran Social Servicesof North DakotaReginald Tarr is theResettlement Coordinator for the New Americans Services with LutheranSocial Services at the Grand Forks Program Center.Reginald originally came to Grand Forks as a refugee himself from Liberia in 2003 throughthe very program that he serves. He holds aBachelor’s Degree in Social Work from theUniversity of North Dakota.Reginald was the recipient of the Undergraduate Student Civil Engagement Award at the uni-versity in 2011 for his involvement with com-munity groups. He has served on the Board of Directors for Global Friends Coalition, an organization that helps integrate refugees into their new environments. Additionally, he was the former Chairman of the Liberian Community and is currently the executive of the United African Community in Grand Forks.Reginald was one of those who were recognized at the White House in 2016 for leadership in the refugee/immigrant communityJanuary 24, 2019; 6:00pm-9:00pmCentury Theater at NDSU’s Memorial Union S A V E T H E D A T EThe Seven is an interactive human rights experience. Through independently created events, The Seven empowers individuals to discuss and learn what it means to organize, advocate for and influence positive change in their community. These events include interdisciplinary conversations, performances and research as a call to action. The Seven aims to advance a condition where participants recogniparticipants recognize a change they can make in their world.A PROJECT OF: Join the conversation #NDHRFF18January 24, 20196:00 – 10:00 PMCentury Theater at NDSU’s Memorial UnionThe Seven is an interactive human rightsexperience. Through independently createdevents, The Seven empowers individuals todiscuss and learn what it means to organize,advocate for, and influence positive changein their community. These events includeinterdisciplinary conversations, performancesand research as a call to action. The Sevenaims to advance a condition where participantsrecognize a change they can make in their world.Learn more at Human-Family.org. A project of:

Tuesday,November 13ND Heritage Center& State MuseumBismarck, NDAfternoon Session1:00 – 3:00 PMA Ferry TaleYear: 2018 | 10 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): TurkishDirected by: Mehmet TigliCountry of Origin: TurkeyThis short film is about a father and his two autistic children. They board a ferry on a wintry day and meet with some disappointing incidents in their short trip. Due to some impatientpassengers’ reactions to his children’sunintentional actions, the father feels sadand loses hope.Living in Chains Year: 2018 | 14 minGenre: Student FilmmakerLanguage(s): English, IndonesianDirected by: Nur Humaira SajatCountry of Origin: Singapore“Living in Chains” is a short documentary film that centers around the banned practice inIndonesia known as pasung. Pasung refers to the practice of physical restraint or confinement upon a person deemed as mentally ill. The documentary presents the standpoints of the traditional healers and the unconventionalmethods they employ to heal the patients.The film also serves to highlight the stigma andcultural beliefs that perpetuate the practice that still exists in certain parts of the world in this modern day and age.North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival

More Than a Word Year: 2017 | 1 hour 5 minGenre: Documentary FeatureLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Kenn Little and John LittleCountry of Origin: United States“More Than a Word” analyzes the Washington football team and their use of the derogatory term R*dskins. Using interviews from both those in favor of changing the name and those against, the film presents a deeper analysis of the many issues surrounding the Washington team name. The film also examines the history of Native American mascots and cultural appropriation.America; I TooYear: 2017 | 20 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Anike TourseCountry of Origin: United StatesThe Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) presents its second short film,“America; I Too,” starring Academy Award nominee Barkhad Abdi and featuring music from Grammy winners Quetzal. Writer and first-time director Anike Tourse shares the interconnected stories of three arrested and detained immigrants who navigate the system as they attempt toprevent their deportation. This film is based on real testimonies and experiences.Franciszka Year: 2018 | 8 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): SilentDirected by: Elias DjemilCountry of Origin: CanadaIn 1943, a revolt broke out at the Auchwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Among theresistants, a famous Polish ballerina. It is saidthat she disarmed a cruel SS officer with the simple grace of a ballet movement. Only her story has survived until today. Her name was Franciszka Mann.Since the First Day We Met Year: 2017 | 4 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Saul SingletonCountry of Origin: United StatesA deaf boy moves to a new school and finds himself through meeting his new friend, Finn,in the forest.Join the conversation #NDHRFF18

Tuesday,November 13ND Heritage Center& State MuseumBismarck, NDEvening Session6:00 – 10:00 PMWhat is the Valueof Human Life? Year: 2018 | 4 minGenre: Short DocumentaryLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Jake BergenCountry of Origin: CanadaEven though she has a good life, Maty is forced to cope with her disabilities every day. Some-times, it causes her to ask hard questions about human value, and her own value in particular.A Man Falls from the Sky Year: 2017 | 9 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): DutchDirected by: Kurt Platvoet and Jan VerdijkCountry of Origin: NetherlandsTon and Ineke Korrel enjoy their warm afternoon soup when a man crashes down from the sky, in their garden. Ton sees a dangerous species lying in his garden, Ineke wants to help. The situation escalates. The couple will soon find out who their other half really is. Hopefully before it’s too late.Mni Wiconi: Water is Life Year: 2018 | 3 minGenre: Animation / Experimental FilmLanguage(s): SilentDirected by:Miguel Antonio Genz and Jeremias GalanteCountry of Origin: United StatesDedicated to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Dakota Territory, this black-and-white, hand-drawn short film focuses on the environment, and how the fossil fuel industry is affecting climate change. The film highlights the Dakota Access Pipeline, and is intended to create social awarenessregarding contamination of natural resources.Too Many BodiesYear: 2018 | 6 minGenre: Animation / Experimental FilmsLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Reena DuttCountry of Origin: United StatesA music video for Alex Mackey’s “PlaceCalled Us,” addressing America’s need forgun reform through dance, music and passion,culminating in a website of resources foradvocacy and survivor support.North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival

The Beautiful Struggle Local FilmmakerDirector Christian Gray, Producer Brad Kroupa and students from White Shield High School will be in attendanceYear: 2018 | 8 minGenre: Short DocumentaryLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Christian GrayCountry of Origin: United StatesReal people. Real stories. Real struggles.White Shield, North Dakota Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.Facilitated Talking CirclesHistorical TraumaDuration: 75 minutesJoin us in one of two facilitated talking circles to discuss the topics identified in the film “Dodging Bullets.” All individuals are invited to share as part of the discussion.Dodging BulletsRegional FilmmakersCo-directors Kathy Broere and Bob Trench will be in attendance Year: 2018 | 1 hour 38 minGenre: Documentary FeatureLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Sarah Edstrom, Kathy Broere,Jonathan Thunder, and Bob Trench Country of Origin: United StatesNative Americans have dodged bullets since first contact with Europeans. This film brings a cross-generational sampling of Indigenouspeople, researchers and politicians to reveal stunning reasons for their disproportionatelyhigh incidences of health and social issues.This collection of remarkable stories names historical trauma as the unique and insidious part of the genetic code that resilient Native American populations are still finding ways to dodge. The film focuses on Native Americans and is not the typical “tragedy porn” film about Indian Country, it is more of an accurate portrayal of life.Join the conversation #NDHRFF18White Shield High School

North Dakota Human Rights Film FestivalThursday,November 15Fargo TheatreFargo, NDEvening Session7:00 – 10:00 PMWhat is the Value of Human Life? Year: 2018 | 4 minGenre: Short DocumentaryLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Jake BergenCountry of Origin: CanadaEven though she has a good life, Maty is forced to cope with her disabilities every day. Some-times, it causes her to ask hard questions about human value, and her own value in particular.SundogsDirector Elizabeth Chatelain and actresses Sarah Chatelain-Gress and Serenity Gress will be in attendanceYear: 2016 | 16 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Elizabeth ChatelainCountry of Origin: United StatesA single mother and her 4-year-olddaughter struggle to survive a homeless nightin the oilfields of North Dakota.

Home. The Homelessness Crisis in North Dakota Local FilmmakerFilmmakers Sonya Jensen and Sean Coffman will be in attendance at the festival.Year: 2018 | 49 minGenre: Short Documentary / Episodic SeriesLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Sonya Jensen and Sean CoffmanCountry of Origin: United StatesThe premiere of the first episode of the limited series “Home.” Focusing on the homelessness crisis in North Dakota, the first episode examines the myths, the individuals impacted, the causes and the community response to the epidemic.To support continued work on the series, text “Donate” to (701) 540-5365.Join the conversation #NDHRFF18United HopesYear: 2018 | 35 minGenre: Student FilmmakerLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Arwa SawanCountry of Origin: United StatesThis documentary addresses the Syrian refugees’ concerns over exercising their basic human rights and freedom of expression and how the United States’ immigration policy regarding the Syrian refugees’ humanitarian crisis is being shaped by the concerns over the impact of refugees on the USA’s national security. It is a documentary that brings awareness to this humanitarian crisis and highlights the important role of communication in promoting human rights protection while addressing concerns of our national security.

Whitney Fear RN Case Manager / Shelter & Community Outreach Nurse, Homeless Health ServicesWhitney Fear was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. She is a proud memberof the Oglala Sioux Tribe.Whitney is passionate about bringing equity tohealthcare, the use of holistic nursing and increasing the level of diversity within the nursing profession. Angela Daly Shelter Services Director, YWCA Cass Clay Angela Daly is ShelterServices Director for YWCA Cass Clay’s emergency shelter in Fargo, ND, which provides safety for women and children escapingdomestic violence and poverty. The sheltertypically serves 1,500 annually. Angela leadsthe expert and caring team of managers whoprovide services to help women find housing and transportation, gain jobs and education, access health care, and secure child care for their families.ModeratorCody Schuler Executive Director, FM Coalition to End HomelessnessCody Schuler sees his work as a piece of a larg-er puzzle of ending home-lessness by organizing people to come together to change systems and advocate for social justice.Dr. GeorgeConnellProfessor of Philosophy,Concordia CollegeDr. Connell has been teaching at Concordia since 1986. He attended Mercer University, andthen went on to graduateschool at VanderbiltUniversity. He recently completed terms as Division Chair of Humanities at Concordia and as the President of the Soren Kierkegaard Society. Dr. Connell recently completed a semester of sabbatical research, focusing on issues of home and homelessness. Jan ElliasonHarm Reductino Director, Fargo Cass Public HealthJan provides oversight and direction for the Gladys Ray Shelter and Veteran’s Drop in Center, Withdrawal Management Unit, and the Harm Reduction Center. She has been instrumental in advancing the concept of Housing First in the Fargo-Moorhead Community and advocating for lower barrier shelters throughout the region. Jan has been with the Gladys Ray Shelter since its inception in 2008. PanelistsPanelDiscussionThe HomelessnessCrisis in North DakotaJoin us for a discussion about homelessness in North Dakota. In the midst of a crisis that impacts all of the communities in the state, what efforts are being made locally and statewide to address the issue?

Adam Martin Founder, F5 Project F5 Project focuses on rebuilding lives and communities through servicing people with criminal backgrounds. F5 helps to coordinate services and provide personal support in order to deter repeat offenses. Naomi RichisonNaomi was formerly homeless and a former resident of the Gladys Ray Shelter and the YWCA. Naomi is currently working on rebuilding her life with her boyfriend, JR and their 9 month old daughter, Sonja, in West Fargo.Jesseca WhiteDowntown Resource Officer, Fargo Police Department Officer Jesseca Whiteis one of two DowntownResource Officers (DRO) with the Fargo Police Department. The DROs are specifically assigned to provide enhanced services to the downtown area.The main focuses of the DROs are to help promote a revitalized, safe and vibrant downtown that appeals to citizens of Fargo and visitors.A portion of tonight’s screening of “Home.” was funded in part by Humanities North Dakota, a nonprofit, independent state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the “Home.” do not necessarily reflect those of Humanities North Dakota or the National Endowment for the Humanities.SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED THROUGHDecember 2, 2018EXIBITIONJanuary 7-24, 2019ARTISTS RECEPTIONJanuary 23, 2019LEARN MORE AT HUMAN-FAMILY.ORG

North Dakota Human Rights Film FestivalFriday,November 16Fargo TheatreFargo, NDAfternoon Session1:00 – 3:30 PMThe Snag Year: 2018 | 8 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): FrenchDirected by: Desalos IsabelleCountry of Origin: FranceWhen Camille meets Etienne, there is something more than usual. But she has a secret that will ruin everything between them: she has HIV. When she runs away and he catches her, the complicity turns to a lack of understanding. Despite their shared desire, those two hearts will hurt each other.We Have Our Ways Year: 2017 | 15 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Dawn Jones RedstoneCountry of Origin: United StatesIn a dystopic but recognizable America, street riots are common,tap water is undrinkable, and you’re lucky if you get health insurance.Regina usually keeps her head down to just get by, especially at work. As a customer service rep for Alleviate (“Keeping you healthytomorrow, today”), she must reject health coverage for desperatecallers all day in order to do her job. But when her younger cousin Abigail is in need of a criminalized medical procedure, she mustdecide what price she’s willing to pay for justice.

Join the conversation #NDHRFF18Nobody Dies Here Year: 2016 | 23 minGenre: Short DocumentaryLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Simon PanayCountry of Origin: FrancePerma gold mine, Benin. Some dream to find something, othersrealized there was nothing to be found. Some dig relentlessly, hoping to become rich, others died in the process. And a few of them saythat here, nobody dies.Rehoming Actress Julie Sheppard will be in attendanceYear: 2018 | 15 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Aarón MonsiváisCountry of Origin: CanadaA couple decides to adopt a child from a foreign country to fill the void left by the death of their biological child, but soon regret their decision and makes a heart-wrenching, morally questionable choice.Modified Year: 2017 | 1 hour 27 minGenre: Feature DocumentaryLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Aube GirouxCountry of Origin: Canada“Modified” is an award-winning first-person documentary that questions why genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not labeled on food products in Canada and the United States despite being labeled in 64 countries around the world. Interweaving the personal and the political, the film is anchored in the filmmaker’srelationship with her mother, a passionategardener and food activist. Their intimatemother-daughter investigative journey, fueled by a shared love of food, ultimately reveals the extent to which industrial interests control our food policies, making a strong case for a more transparent and sustainable food system.

North Dakota Human Rights Film FestivalFriday,November 16Fargo TheatreFargo, NDEvening Session7:00 – 10:00 PMMni Wiconi: Water is LifeYear: 2018 | 3 minGenre: Animation / Experimental FilmLanguage(s): SilentDirected by: Miguel Antonio GenzCountry of Origin: United StatesDedicated to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Dakota Territory, this black-and-white, hand-drawn short film focuses on the environment, and how the fossil fuel industry is affecting climate change. The film highlights the Dakota Access Pipeline, and is intended to create social awarenessregarding contamination of natural resources.AlphabetYear: 2017 | 6 minGenre: Animation / ExperimentalLanguage(s): SilentDirected by: Kianoush AbediCountry of Origin: IranIt has been years since the people of this town forgot the alphabets of life. They have no sight, hearing or speech left… but the words areimpatiently waiting to be sung again.A Man Falls from the SkyYear: 2017 | 9 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): DutchDirected by: Kurt Platvoet and Jan VerdijkCountry of Origin: NetherlandsTon and Ineke Korrel enjoy their warm afternoon soup when a man crashes down from the sky, in their garden. Ton sees a dangerous species lying in his garden, Ineke wants to help. The situation escalates. The couple will soon find out who their other half really is. Hopefully before it’s too late.

Join the conversation #NDHRFF181200+ Regional FilmmakerDirector Leonard Yakir and Producer Shelia North will be in attendanceLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Leonard YakirProduced by: Sheila North and Leonard YakirCountry of Origin: Canada“1200+” focuses on a region in Canada where the indigenous community has been tragically impacted by indigenous women and girls being victims of violence and murder. The documentary was created and produced by journalist Sheila North, who is the former Grand Chief ofManitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, and film-maker Leonard Yakir. The RCMP claim there are over 1,200 missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in Canada. Family and friends claim up to 3,000. The film “1200+” is seen through the eyes of journalist Sheila North, who has made it her passion to get to the bottom of MMIWG. Sheila examines how and why these women and girls go missing and draws on the similarities of their circumstances.Sing Our River RedMissing & Murdered Indigenous WomenLocal Filmmaker Director Gott Falcon will be in attendanceYear: 2016 | 2 minGenre: Short DocumentaryLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Gott FalconCountry of Origin: United StatesFebruary 14, 2016. Fargo, North Dakota.Temperatures hovering just above 0 degrees F, with wind gusts of up to 20 mph. Members of the Native American Commission and advocates in the community brave the cold to bringawareness to the serious issue of theMurdered and Missing IndigenousWomen of North America.Safe SpaceYear: 2018 | 8 minGenre: Short NarrativeLanguage(s): EnglishDirected by: Ben S. HylandCountry of Origin: United KingdomSarah is a key worker in a women's refuge. Amne is her new client. For Amne, the journey from victim to survivor is painful and traumatic. For Sarah, the emotional burden placed onher shoulders is overwhelming. “Safe Space”chronicles the relationship between the two women from the day Amne arrives until theday she must leave.

PanelDiscussionThe Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls CrisisJoin us for a discussion about the Missing and Murdered Women and Girls Crisis. In the midst of a crisis that impacts all of the communities in the state, what efforts are being made locally and statewide to address the issue? Duration: 60 minutes with audience Q&AModerated by: Michael Yellow Bird, NDSUNorth Dakota Human Rights Film FestivalMichaelYellow BirdDirector, Tribal andIndigenous PeoplesStudies Program,Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, NDSU Dr. Michael Yellow Bird is a citizen of the Three Affiliated Tribes,(Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara). He joined the North Dakota StateUniversity faculty in the fall of 2014. He has held faculty and/oracademic administrative appointments at the University of British Columbia, University of Kansas, Arizona State University and Humboldt State University. He is professor and director of the Tribal Indigenous Studies program at NDSU. His teaching, writing, research and community work focus on Indigenous Peoples’ health, leadership and cultural rights; the effects of colonization and methods of decolonization; decolonizing social work approaches; decolonizing war and military service; neurodecolonization and mind-body approaches; neuroscience and Indigenous Peoples; traditional mindfulness and contemplative practices; ancestral and paleo eating and lifestyle; and the rights of Mother Earth.ModeratorPanelistsBJ JonesBJ has over 25 years of experience as a tribal judge for various tribes in the Northern Plains area. He currently serves as Chief Judge for the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate and its Treatment Court. In addition, Jones teaches criminal law and jurisdiction in Indian Country and aseminar on the Indian Child Welfare Act at the University of North Dakota School of Law.Jones has presented at over 200 national and regional conferences since 1995, including the Indian Nations Conference, Department of Justice events, United States Federal Courts conferences, the Federal Bar Association, American Bar Association events and National American Indian Court Judges' Conferences and Parks at Department of Justice, American Bar Association, and other events. Jones serves on the North Dakota Supreme Court'sTribal-State Judges' Committee.

Join the conversation #NDHRFF18 Lisa BrunnerLisa Brunner is a member of the White Earth Ojibwe Nation and is Wolf Clan. Lisa has worked in the domestic violence and sexual assault field for over 18 years, and was the executive director of Sacred Spirits First Nations Coalition for 13 years, whose work addresses violence against Native American and Alaska Native women. Sacred Spirits First Nations Coalition is responsible for thecreation of the Harm Reduction program on the White Earth reservation in its response to the heroin epidemic, and has since become a model for Tribes and the state. Brunner has advocated on the local, state, national and international levels to bring about change to public policy that maintains the horrific realitiesof violence against Native women and within our Tribal communities. Lisa has served as board chair of the White Earth Land Recovery Project and Board of Directors for Native American Children’s Alliance and served on the National Technical Working Group, “SOAR to Health & Wellness Training for Health Care Providers to Respond to Human Trafficking.” Lisa washonored with the Bonnie HeavyRunner Award for her work. She is a 2016 Bush Fellow. Lisa has been an adjunct faculty member at White Earth Tribal and Community College and has recently been promoted to interim cultural coordinator. Lisa is currently co-director of Indigenous Women’s Human Rights Collective, Inc.Sheila NorthProducer of “1200+”Sheila North is the Former Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, an organization whichrepresents 30 northern First Nations in Manitoba, Canada. North is a former journalist and communica-tions professional who has covered many First Nations issues and worked with several other leaders over the years. During her career in media, she penned the hashtag #MMIWG, a very well-known acronym to identify the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.Leonard YakirDirector and Producer of “1200+”Leonard Yakir grew up in Winnipeg’s North End. He produced and directed:The Mourning Suit (official entry Locarno & Chicago International festivals), the first Winnipeg based feature; and has since been the creative force behind socially motivated films such as “Mainstreet Soldier” (Etrog nominee), Out of the Blue” (official entry Cannes Film Festival) and award winning “The Ring of 1000 Souls and Sound.”

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