The American Indian Film Institute (AIFI) is proud to announce the nominees for the 37th annual American Indian Film Festival. The awards will be presented at the annual American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show on Saturday Nov. 10 at 6:00 p.m at the historic Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Over 80 films have been screened and judged by a jury panel designated by the American Indian Film Institute (AIFI). Twelve prestigious awards will be recognized to those with outstanding cinematic accomplishments, including: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, Best Live Short Subject, Best Animation, Best Music Video, Best Industrial and Eagle Spirit Awards.

Since 1978, the American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show has evolved and revolved, maintaining its focus as a community – based circle where creative storytellers are showcased and commended for their cinematic achievements. The Awards Show reflects the essence of Indian cinema and performance.

“The Film Festival and Awards Show are the cornerstone of what we do – providing an opportunity and national venue for emerging and established filmmakers, entertainers and performing artist to convene, renew their artistic spirit and share their gifts.” Director Michael Smith (Source)

Another notable winner was Tatanka Means, son of the late activist Russell Means, who was given Best Supporting Actor honors for his performance in Tiger Eyes. The film is based on the young-adult novel of the same name by Judy Blume, and represents the first time any of Blume’s books have been adapted to the big screen. A week earlier, Means won the Tamalewood Award, given to a promising newcomer, from the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival.(Source)


The Canadian film Mesnak, which won Best Film, Best Actor (Victor Andres Trelles Turgeon), and Best Actress (Eve Ringuette) awards. Mesnak tells the story of a Native man who was adopted as a toddler and is now living in Montreal and working as an actor. He returns to the reserve where he was born and meets his mother and people for, essentially, the first time, and his struggles with his identity mirror those of the character he’s been rehearsing—the lead in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. (Source)