Indigenous filmmaking to be celebrated on International Day

United Nations (UCTP Taino News) - The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People will be commemorated at United Nations Headquarters and around the world on Monday, 9 August 2010. The observance will focus on indigenous filmmaking, celebrating the contributions of indigenous filmmakers to promoting greater understanding of their communities, cultures and history and the challenges they face today.

In his message for the Day, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon states the work of indigenous filmmakers “connects us to belief systems and philosophies; it captures both the daily life and the spirit of indigenous communities.”

The UN Headquarters event is organized by the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and is presented in collaboration with the NGO Committee on the UN International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Roberto Mukaro Agueibana Borrero (Taíno), will serve as Master of Ceremonies and opening remarks by the Secretary-General and other UN and indigenous representatives will precede the screening of four short films by indigenous filmmakers.

Following the film screenings, a discussion with three indigenous filmmakers - Mr. Per-Josef Idivuoma (Sámi), Mr. Alex Zacarias (Taíno), and Mr. Andrew Okpeaha Maclean (Inupiaq) - will be moderated by Reaghan Tarbell (Mohawk), from the National Museum of the American Indian.

UCTPTN 08.04.2010