American Indian Film Wins Award to Be Showcased at the National Archives - June 30, 2000 Press Release
The National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. is set to host a screening of the documentary film, "Coming to Light: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indians." The film, written, produced, and directed by Anne Makepeace, will be shown on Thursday, July 13 at 7 PM and on Friday, July 14 at noon.
The documentary chronicles the life and work of the famous photographer of Native Americans, Edward S. Curtis. In 1900, Curtis attended a Piegan Sundance in Montana, a tradition that had recently been outlawed. Believing it might be the final opportunity to document the tradition, Curtis captured the event on film, marking a turning point in his career.
Curtis' body of work includes over 10,000 recordings, 40,000 photographs, and a full-length ethnographic motion picture. His photographs have sparked controversy over the years, with some criticising his portrayal of Native Americans. However, the documentary "Coming to Light" gives Native Americans a voice in the discussion, with Hopi, Navajo, Cupig, Blackfeet, Piegan, Suquamish, and Kwakiutl people, who are descendants of Curtis' subjects or use his photographs to preserve their cultural heritage, serving as interpretive guides.
These Native Americans comment on the images, recount stories about the people in the photographs, and discuss the importance of the pictures in the film. The film will be shown in the theater of the National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW.
For additional press information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by email.
Eighty years later, the photographs taken by Curtis of the Sundance inspired the Piegans to revive the ceremony. This documentary is a unique opportunity to revisit Curtis' work and gain a deeper understanding of its impact on Native American culture.
