Words from a Bear

Time: Sept. 27, 2019, 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Location: Joyce Hergenham Auditorium, Newhouse 3

17th Annual Syracuse University Human Rights Film Festival

(Jeffrey Palmer, USA, 2019, 85 min. Captioned in English)

When N. Scott Momaday won the 1969 Pulitzer Prize, it marked one of the first major acknowledgments of Native American literature and the vibrant contemporary culture it described. Now, Momaday’s transportive words come to life in this cinematic biography of one of the most celebrated Native American storytellers. In Jeffrey Palmer’s directorial debut, distinctly expressive animations intersect with stunning footage of the Great Plains as Momaday draws from his Kiowa ancestry and identity to pose universal questions about how we connect to our origins, each other, and the earth.

In a series of intimate interviews, Momaday expounds on his life and its many challenges, while insights from the likes of Joy Harjo, Robert Redford, and Jeff and Beau Bridges reveal the impact of his literary contributions. Words from a Bear reveals the inspiring beauty of Momaday’s work while also guiding audiences through the grave historical struggles that Native American communities have faced. The result is a profound celebration of not only Momaday’s writing and history but also the art of storytelling itself. Filmmaker will be present to introduce and discuss the film.

Check festival website for complete details, as they develop.

Roger Hallas, Tula Goenka, English, Newhouse