Requirements & Application

Producer John J. Valadez believes that Native people should be central to our understanding of the American story. He hopes that viewers of his film,  The Last Conquistador,  will discover the importance of listening to many points of view. The film tells the story of renowned sculptor John Houser, who dreams of building the world's tallest bronze equestrian statue for the city of El Paso, Texas,--a stunning monument to Spanish conquistador Juan de O ñate that will honor the contributions Hispanic people made to the American West. However, he finds that Native Americans have their own very personal memories concerning Oñate--massacres, slavery and terror. Oñate's expedition into New Mexico in 1598 led to the deaths of two out of every three Indians there and nearly caused the extermination of Native culture across the region. 

This month his film  is featured on Vision Maker Media's 

Q. Why is it important to have films created, written and produced by Natives in today's media?
A. Native people, their history, culture and vision of the world is a cornerstone of American identity. Native people are (or should be) central to our understanding of the American story, the long struggle for human rights, equality and dignity. Our country desperately needs diverse Native voices because those perspectives make us a more thoughtful nation; they remind us that our future--like the present and the past--must be viewed with a critical eye, with nuance if we are to be true to our highest ideals and most noble aspirations.
Q. Why do you think people should tune in for 40 Years. 40 Films. 40 Weeks?
A. Because these are some outstanding films made by some really talented filmmakers. Vision Maker simply has an outstanding record--unmatched in the history of American non-fiction film--of supporting incredible work by some of the nation's most gifted storytellers. The quality speaks for itself.
Q. How do Vision Maker Media films help serve Indian Country?
A. Serve Indian country? It serves the nation! Vision Maker is a kind of national treasure. A place that nurtures indigenous voices and perspectives...a place that has a sacred mission that should be esteemed by all Americans.

Big Sky Documentary DocShop Workshop

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula, Montana, is hosting workshops and panels for DocShop 2017 that will focus on all aspects of creating the short: conceiving, funding, producing and  distributing.  Festival organizers have invited film industry experts and trendsetters to join t he co nversation,  including representatives from Vice, ITVS, NY Times Docs, The Atlantic, Tribeca Film Institute, Gathr, The Film Collaborative, ESPN films and more.  The $150 DocShop pass includes the five-day conference, a five-punch film pass and VIP events. Single DocShop event tickets are available at the door for $10. *Unless otherwise noted, all DocShop events are held at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography, 216 N Higgins Avenue. 

Screenings: 

Badger Creek (27 min.),  Jonathan Skurnik, Randy Vasquez

Feb. 19 - 2:45 p.m. - Wilma;  Feb. 26 - 3:15 p.m. - Wilma 

Tribal Justice (87 min.)  Anne Makepeace

Feb. 20 - 8 p.m. - Elks Lodge;  Feb. 21 - 6:30 p.m. - The Silver

Workshops:

Feb. 20 - THE NUTS & BOLTS OF SHORT FILM MAKING