Premiere of ‘Remaining Native’ Showcases Indigenous Resilience

News Summary

At the SXSW festival, the documentary ‘Remaining Native’ premiered, following Kutoven Stevens, a Northern Nevada Paiute community member, on his journey of cultural identity and resilience through running. The film highlights the historical trauma faced by Indigenous communities and aims to educate both Native and non-Native viewers. Alongside the screening, a 5K run was organized, drawing over 600 participants to promote awareness and community engagement.

Austin

What Happened

The documentary “Remaining Native” premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival on Friday, showcasing a powerful narrative of cultural identity and resilience. The film follows Kutoven Stevens, a member of the Northern Nevada Paiute community, who at the age of 17, aspired to become a runner at the University of Oregon. Directed by Paige Bethmann, the documentary was initiated in 2021, prompted by the discovery of unmarked graves of indigenous boarding school children in Kamloops, Canada. This important finding shed light on the historical trauma faced by Indigenous communities.

The Story of Kutoven Stevens

Kutoven Stevens emerged as an inspiring figure through his commitment to running, particularly during his 50-mile remembrance run for his great grandfather. Bethmann was motivated to document this endeavor after reading about it in the Reno Gazette-Journal. The film not only highlights Stevens’ coming-of-age journey but also delves into the significance of running as a family narrative and a tool for healing within Indigenous communities.

Community Engagement and Events

As part of the film’s promotion, an invitation was extended to the public to participate in a 5K run around Lady Bird Lake, which drew over 600 runners who RSVPed for the event. The run aimed to elevate awareness regarding the film’s themes while fostering community involvement. Attendees were treated to breakfast tacos and coffee, as well as selling Nike merchandise, adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion. Performances, including one from the Austin Powwow, enriched the cultural experience of the event.

Official Response and Discussions

A post-screening Q&A session was held, featuring Billy Mills, an Olympian distance runner and member of the Oglala Lakota community, who discussed the documentary’s impact and themes surrounding Indigenous youth. Jessica Epstein, the film’s producer, articulated the film’s intention to demonstrate the importance of community impact and the transformative power of generational healing—central themes in Stevens’ journey and in the documentary overall.

Impact on the Community

The film aims to achieve resonance not only within Native audiences but also among non-Native viewers, serving as an educational platform to shed light on the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous youth. The filmmakers placed emphasis on outreach events during the SXSW festival, focusing on supporting Indigenous communities in the Austin area. This effort illustrates the film’s commitment to addressing cultural narratives and the challenges Indigenous people face.

What’s Next for “Remaining Native”

Following its premiere at SXSW, “Remaining Native” looks to continue its journey by reaching broader audiences through screenings and discussions about its content. The focus on community engagement will remain a driving force as the team explores further opportunities for outreach and advocacy. The film serves as a compelling narrative of resilience and cultural identity, aiming to inspire both recognition of and support for Indigenous issues.

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Additional Resources

• The Daily Texan
• Wikipedia: Indigenous Peoples
• Hollywood Reporter
• Google Search: Indigenous Documentaries
• Netflix News
• Google Scholar: Native American Writers
• Austin Film Festival Blog
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Film Festivals
• InForum
• Google News: Indigenous Women