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Celebrate the 3rd Annual Pacific Island Film Festival! Enjoy films from across the Pacific Islands and join us for a conversation about the deep tradition of storytelling and the state of film development and production today.11 AM–12:30 PM | Screening: "The Mountain"
Sam, a fearless young girl raised outside of her Māori culture, is determined to fulfill her mission of connecting with her mountain in the hope they can heal her from the cancer she battles. Along the way she meets some misfits and new kids in town: Mallory, who is hoping to find friends, any kind of friends, and Bronco, who claims to be a runaway from his dad who is too busy to notice him. As they make their way through the difficult “off the beaten track” route, they learn the true spirit of adventure and the magic of friendship. Director: Rachel House (Māori), New Zealand, 2024, 89 min.
*Please be advised: this film contains themes of terminal illness, death, and estrangement. It is recommended for viewers ages 10+.
1–2 PM | Panel: "Future of Indigenous Filmmaking"
Join us for a dynamic conversation on the power, purpose, and future of Indigenous filmmaking. This special Q&A session will feature leading voices in Native and Pacific storytelling: Adam Piron, Director of the Indigenous Program at Sundance Institute; Cynthia Benitez, Film Program Manager for the Smithsonian's National Museum of American Indian’s Native Cinema Showcase; and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, acclaimed Hawaiian writer and filmmaker. Together, they will share insights on cultural representation, creative process, and the evolving landscape of Indigenous cinema.
Screening presented in conjunction with Pacific Island Film Festival of New York.
The Pacific Island Film Festival of New York City provides a platform for Pacific Island cinema and promotes networking and talent development in New York City. Giving the communities in and around New York City the opportunity to experience and immerse themselves in storytelling from Pacific Islanders.
Location: Lower Level, Auditorium
Image credit: "The Mountain" (film still), courtesy of Hope Runs High Distribution
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, National Msm of the American Indian, Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States
