Ojibwa Warrior

Directed by Marie-Michèle Jasmin-Bélisle

The year is 1968. Nowa Cumig, better known by his English name Dennis Banks, has started a movement with a few friends that would soon make ripples through history: the American Indian Movement.

The taking of Alcatraz, the Custer Riots, the B.I.A. takeover, and the Wounded Knee siege are all events that have since marked the rise of indigenous rights in the United States. Leonard Peltier, Floyd Red Crow Westerman, Russell Means, the Bellecourt brothers, Sacheen Littlefeather... all names that would go into the history books. But where did Dennis Banks - or Nowa Cumig - get this fire to lead the fight? What came before these events, and most importantly what followed them?

This film opens a door into the life of one of the most influential men in Native American history, using archival footage from films such as Last Stop Before Wounded Knee and The Drum Will Never Stop, photographs by Richard Erdoes, and excerpts from his and Dennis’ book, Ojibwa Warrior. The film is narrated by actor, artist, and activist Michael Horse.

Montreal film director, cinematographer, and artist Marie-Michele can often be found in seascapes, deserts, and urban jungles between her home, California, New Mexico, and Japan. Recent accomplishments include solo shows in Montreal and Tokyo, screenings at the International Symposium of Electronic Arts, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and film festivals from Indonesia to Germany, Australia to Italy, Brazil, England, and the US. Recent wins include 'Best Film' (Tracce Cinematografiche, Italy) and Best Cinematography (Arte Non Stop, Buenos Aires) for her short Helix as well as Best Female Director, Best Cinematography, Best Series Pilot, and a nomination for Best Featurette at various fests for her period drama Women of the West. Her work can be found at the NYU Film and Video Center, the Smithsonian, and the Cinema Guild and has been licensed by A+J and Vice Media.

Runtime 01:28:00. US