cINeDIGENOUS
SIFF acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. This program centers the works of Indigenous filmmakers from across the globe, amplifying these oft-silenced voices whose words are essential to the wellbeing of our planet and all its peoples. cINeDIGENOUS is curated in partnership with Indigenous peoples and organizations that support Indigenous creatives, cultures, rights, and activism globally.
Aanikoobijigan [ancestor/great-grandparent/great-grandchild]
USA | 2026 | 80 min. | Adam Khalil (Ojibway), Zack Khalil (Ojibway)
Indigenous elders and activists fighting to reclaim ancestors’ remains, exposing colonial violence and institutional resistance while affirming that returning bodies to the earth restores dignity, memory, and balance.
The Condor Daughter
Bolivia | 2025 | 109 min. | Alvaro Olmos Torrico (Quechua)
Clara, a young Quechua midwife blessed with sacred songs, dreams of becoming a singer. When she leaves her Andean village, the balance of life begins to falter, and Clara must decide between following her dreams or embracing her ancestral duty.
Crystal Cross
USA | 2025 | 88 min. | Richie James Follin (Cherokee)
A quirky Christian singer and a suicidal loner road trip across America, forging an unlikely bond. Crystal Cross is a tender, offbeat meditation on faith, fracture, and unexpected connection, enveloped in an excellent soundtrack.
Kikuyu Land
Kenya | 2026 | 93 min. | Andrew H. Brown (Huron-Wyandot), Bea Wangondu (Kikuyu)
What begins as a seemingly straightforward investigation into land restitution in Kenya leads to a web of exploitation, family secrets, and death threats in this riveting political documentary.
Mārama
New Zealand | 2025 | 83 min. | Taratoa Stappard (Māori)
Mārama, Taratoa Stappard’s feature debut, is an anti-colonial horror story confronting oppression while honoring the strength and resilience of Māori women.
Meadowlarks
Canada | 2025 | 91 min. | Tasha Hubbard (Cree)
In Meadowlarks, Tasha Hubbard explores Sixties Scoop trauma through four reunited siblings in Banff, balancing warmth and tension in an intimate, dialogue-driven story grounded in land and memory.
Powwow People
USA | 2025 | 88 min. | Sky Hopinka (Ho-Chunk Nation/Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians)
Powwow People immerses us in a single day at a powwow, guided by Reuben Little Head’s humor and heart, culminating in a long take honoring community as privilege.
Reservation Redemption
USA | 2026 | 57 min. | Brenda Fisher (Yakama), Blake Pickens (Chickasaw)
Reservation Redemption follows Chief, a Native man who, after losing his way, finds healing and purpose through reconnecting with culture, community, and spiritual traditions.
Rising Through the Fray
Canada (Quebec) | 2025 | 88 min. | Courtney Montour (Kanien'kehá:ka)
Roller derby built its identity on the outsider. Indigenous Rising is what it looks like when over 30 Indigenous Nations lace up together, skate onto the track under their own banner, and refuse to be invisible.
Teachings of the Elders
70 min.
Indigenous Elders share teachings through story, land, and memory, guiding future generations with wisdom rooted in perseverance, relationships, and enduring cultural knowledge across communities.
