AGAINST THE CURRENT | A Short Documentary About the Culture of Indigenous People | BYkids
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Published 2022-02-08
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The effects of this cultural and physical devastation continue to reverberate through the lives of today's Native Americans, especially young people, who grapple with oppression, poverty and racism.
Daunnette is a member of the Winnebago Ho-Chunk tribe of Nebraska and a senior at Walthill Public School, on the Omaha Reservation where she lives. Daunnette documents life for herself, her family and her friends as they attempt to juggle modern society and Native American values and rituals. The film illuminates how Native youth can use their culture and traditions to heal from historical trauma.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
"The message I would like to send in my film is that we are not what the media portrays of us. Yes, we battle alcoholism, addiction, and domestic violence just like any other nationality or poverty-stricken community, but that does not define the whole culture. We are a sacred, resilient, powerful, strong group of people. It's embedded in us. I want to show people who we truly are, who we once were before the cycle of trauma began. I want people to gain an understanding of not just the culture itself, but also us as a nation. Who and what we represent.
"I need to find a way to shed light on the mental health issues plaguing my community... I want to show some of these talented kids and our culture. I want to do what I can to inspire, encourage, and motivate my peers to take back pride in who we are as Native Americans."
-Daunnette Moniz-Reyome
MENTOR'S STATEMENT
"Working with Daunnette was an absolute honor. She is one of the most mature young people I've ever met, and her ability to quickly learn and adapt to on-camera situations was equally impressive as experienced filmmakers that I have worked with. Her questions to interviewees were perceptive and revealing, and her thoughtfulness inspires me to be a better storyteller. The power of her words will inspire other youth across the globe, and her message about the importance of understanding the past will help guide us all to a more equitable future."
-Evan Mascagni
The film has screened at the United Nations Association of New York, Woodstock Film Festival (Winner Best Documentary Student Short), American Indian Film Festival, Chicago International Children's Film Festival, Socially Relevant Film Festival (Winner Emerging Filmmaker Award), Cinequest Film Festival, NationSwell Council event and the United Nations Association Film Festival.
Daunnette Moniz-Reyome, Director, Cinematographer, Narrator
Holly Carter, Executive Producer
Evan Mascagni, Producer
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Categories: Film & Animation; Entertainment; Education; Nonprofits & Activism
All Comments (21)
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"I will not be held back by historical trauma". This was a powerful and inspiring video to watch.
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My wife as a Cheyenne and Mohawk started her own journey by becoming a seamstress, she has made quite a little business by her sewing for companies and herself, I made sure that she understood how valuable she was, it's up to the men to encourage their wife's to become the best they can be, by doing it, they will pass it down to the next generation.
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What a beautiful documentary ❤
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I will never forget how the lady said, "If someone puts all their pain and hurt because they're hurting, they're not well and they put that pain and hurt on me, now I carry it then I put it on you, it moves, it has a life it moves, it moves among people and that's a sickness but if I take what you threw at me sit with it, pray with it and let it go then it's gone it doesn't keep moving anymore and that's a form of medicine.💙🪶🙏
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That lady, the one who fought in Iraq... What a beautiful soul she is. God bless her...
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Way to represent. Your folk must be so happy with you!
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Powerful documentary..... culture passed from the elders to the youth... keep the flame alight... inspirational...
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PLEASE continue raising, growing and spreading your ALOHA. It is what our world needs now.
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Wonderfully healing and inspiring documentary. Thank-you so much for everyone involved in making this and for everyone who shared of themselves. I'm thankful the ALL the parts of being Indigenous that were included, especially the Two-Spirit. Everyone's story and sharing is such MEDICINE. I'm also glad the Feather Ceremony was not filmed and kept sacredly private.
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Beautiful. I was very moved. Looking forward to more work by her.
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I am native. My grandma and my great uncle went to the white man school. Our lives were changed. We were robbed by the government. #gonativepower
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The seamstress is more than a military hero; she is a legend. I would vote for her for President!
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Kia Ora, nga mihi Shooting Star... hi I am indigenous Maori born & bred in the land of my ancestors, New Zealand Aotearoa. I always feel there is a connection with our people's because of the similar historical trauma caused by the era of colonial invasion & deceit😢. Keep up the traditions of your ancestors and stand as the wahinetoa/strong woman among your peoples. Thank you for sharing your beautiful korero/speak. Tino ataahua, arohanui❤❤❤
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Our native family, they are a strong people, a great people.
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I am Otomi from central Mexico. I grew up in South Carolina and people here tend to say their Great Great Grandparents were mix or full blooded. But these people don't look indigenous at all.. they see us indigenous people and say "You're Mexican huh" then have the nerve to say "You Look Indian!"
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Well done, girl!! You do your people proud!! Never forget who you are or what your people have endured.
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I am Cherokee & Iroquois, watching this was inspiring as I watched & understood the words you & your people spoke it brought tears to my eyes, tears of happiness & pride I am proud to be native American. girl you did an amazing job with this documentary, your power is in your spirit & voice your a very beautiful & gifted native American women , never forget who you are & where you came from shooting Star; Blessings :
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this is beautiful.
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I loved your video, I am Native Canadian of the Cree Tribe (Nehiyawak) from Central Alberta Canada. Traditional pipe carrier, dancer, knowledge keeper. I am very proud of the many blessings you have been bestowed upon. I thank you for keeping our cultural ways alive. Hiy-Hiy kinana'skomitin, (Thank you)
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Our tribe did the same thing complete ceremony in front of officials and masked as a observed holiday. Luv the respect you given while making this documentary. Good job
