Endangered Languages Film Festival
A different theme was explored each day of the festival:
- The Residential School Impact (Friday, July 7, 2006)
- Global Perspectives, Local Initiatives (Saturday, July 8, 2006)
- Linguistic and Cultural Sustainability in the Globalized World: Interfaces with Government, Industry, Urbanization (Sat. July 15, 2006)
“The films were eye opening.” – FNLG 448H student
The Residential School Impact (Friday, July 7, 2006)
WHERE THE SPIRIT LIVES
Follows the experiences of a 12 year old Blackfoot (Algonquian) girl taken from her home on the reserve and relocated in a residential school. Set in 1937.
1990. 120 min. Directed by Bruce Pittman. Amazing Spirit Productions
Global Perspectives, Local Initiatives (Saturday, July 8, 2006)
I SPROGET ER JEG (In Languages We Live)
In Languages We Live tells the story of the loss the world is suffering from the threat of language endangerment. Visits some 20 languages including Western Aranda, Eastern Arrernte, Pitjantjatjara, Pintupi (all four Pama-Nyungan, Northern Territory, Australia), Dogon (Niger-Congo, Mali), Mlabri (Khmuic, Thailand), Livonian (Finnic, Latvia), Tutunaku (Mexican), Changsha hua (Sinitic, Changsha, China) and Naqxi (Burmese-Lolo, Yunnan, China).
2005. 59 min DVD. In Danish and English. Features linguists David Crystal, Peter Austin & Jørgen Rischel. Directors Janus Billeskov Jansen and Signe Byrge Sørensen.
OUR PAST OUR LANGUAGE
Looking at BC’s leading language preservation groups we’ll discover how the Secwepemc have established an instruction system to teach the Secwepemc language (Salish) from kindergarten to university. Their focus of instruction is based on the environmental aspects of learning, teaching, conservation and the preservation through the use of their language.
2002. 30 min. From the Canadian “Finding Our Talk” Series. 2001-2002. In Mohawk, Cree, French & English. General Director: Paul M. Rickard.
Linguistic and Cultural Sustainability in the Globalized World: Interfaces with Government, Industry, Urbanization (Sat. July 15, 2006)
MORE THAN WORDS…
1997. 60 min. Alaska Moving Images Preservation Association, produced and directed by Laura Bliss Spaan.
A compelling film that speaks volumes about endangered cultures. 82-year-old Marie Smith-Jones is the last Eyak Indian to speak the language of her people. The film follows Marie on an emotional journey back to her childhood home along the coast of Alaska’s Prince William Sound. As Chief of the remaining Eyaks, Marie presides over a traditional Potlatch – the first in 85 years. Through the words and actions of Marie and those who have ties to her life, you will come to understand on a deeper level what these people are experiencing as they try to revive the remnants of their dying culture.
LANGUAGE OF THE CARIBOU
How the Gwitchin (Dene) people have used their language to become experts in intergovernmental relations and negotiations in an attempt to protect their way of life, which is threatened by the oil and gas industries. The fight by the Gwitchin has become a leading international voice in the preservation of the Porcupine Caribou Herds, which is vital to their culture and language.
2001/2002. 30 min. “Finding Our Talk” Series
LANGUAGE IN THE CITY
Focuses on Isadore Toulouse’s weekly trajectory to four different urban-based schools where we witness first-hand, and with raw immediacy, his efforts to pass on his own enthusiasm and passion for the Ojibwe/Anishinabe (Algonquian) language.
2001/2002. 30 min. “Finding Our Talk” Series
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