The 2019 Bluff Film Festival

The 15th annual Bluff Arts Festival was a four-day affair offering a variety of events to satisfy an array of interests.  Friday evening's Film Festival was, for me, the most memorable piece.  There were four films.  (All photos below are from the internet.)

Chip Thomas went to the Navajo Reservation as a young physician.  Gradually his acquaintances became trusted friends and he began photographing their lives.  Growing dissatisfied with the limits of gallery shows, where none of his subjects were able to see themselves, he conceived a larger vision.  He developed techniques for covering entire walls, water tanks, shacks — whatever he could find — with large-scale photographs.  

His work with patients suffering the effects of the uranium mine work they’d done in the ’50’s through the ’90’s led him into political photographic narratives as well.  

After the film (Chip Thomas, physician/photographer/muralist)  we had the honor of hearing Chip interviewed on stage by the two very competent MC’s.  His demeanor was humble and down-to-earth; he’s a gentle doctor/artist with a special spirit, a blessing to us all.

Dark Skies (Dark Skies film on youtube) tells the story of Mark Bailey bringing his small observatory to Torrey, Utah.

Torrey earned dark sky designation from the International Dark-Sky Association.  Bluff is attempting to accomplish the same.  The observatory tours allow visitors to have a view of the cosmos that can foster life-changing realizations.  The film also touches on research regarding the deleterious effects of the over-abundance of light obscuring our night skies -- the effects on sleeping patterns of animals and humans and disruptions of migratory behavior.  

Sweetheart Dancers begins with the fantabulous spectacle of brilliantly costumed, high-energy pow-wow dancers.  (I only found the trailer on youtube:  'Sweetheart Dancers' trailer, and also a summary of their career in ensuing years in this Interview.)

Then we get to know two young men attracted to each other and the dance.  We follow them practicing in their backyard, designing and sewing their costumes, brilliant in color, conception and flare.  We see how nervous and excited they are getting ready at their first pow wow.  Then we hear on the loudspeaker:  'The Sweetheart Dance is only for male and female partners.'  The men are incredulous and devastated.

But they return a year later and we hear:  'The Sweetheart Dance is for anyone in long-term relationships.'  We are not privy to what politics preceded this switch, but it was the beginning of a sea change.  This time the men dance jubilantly and bounce happily to accept their prize.

In an interview (above), it's evident they are traveling the world for competitions and are proud to be setting a positive example for youngsters struggling with confusion and identity issues.  Throughout, the intelligence, pride, humility, and sincerity of these dancers is beautiful to behold.

The final film of the evening, Escape, offered a difficult and compelling look at youth problems of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.  (The film:  'Escape"; Huffington Post article about 'Escape')

Alex Munoz (interview) is a filmmaker who assists teens conceive, write and produce films about their lives.  Escape focuses on a football player struggling against homophobia and a serious student hoping to attend college, both being bullied mercilessly by peers and family.  They support each other in a deep bond of friendship.  After nearly carrying out a suicide pact they finally find avenues to escape their pain.  This award-winning film deals with teen suicide, homophobia, alcohol abuse, bullying, and domestic violence.  

Each of the films aired was created by groups doing important work for their communities, and one would hope their efforts could ripple ever outward, blending into others’ ripples, contributing to waves of change.