STANDING ROCK

What’s happening in Standing Rock is a bold new articulation of the exact ideas of third and imperfect cinema. They are using new tools to make expressive things that are intervening in the struggle in a direct and material way. They occupy a position not just of a political avant-garde (ironically, by defending tradition and the earth) but also of a cultural avant-garde. They are propelling the medium forward, showing eloquence, while blending material, and technological innovation to completely out maneuver the corporate media. Because the struggle directs us to the unmistakable fact that the election won’t resolve this crisis in any way. And the struggle to save the earth will be the primary struggle of our time. The system makes it impossible both to vote for a viable candidate and support the actions of the Water Protectors. No vote exists to protect the earth. The Black Snake is bi-partisan. Meanwhile, films that simultaneously captivate, grip, inform, and prompt action are the highest forms of art.

Land of the Free by Vanessa Renwick

Up above the land, in the clouds, borderless...

For more from Vanessa Renwick: http://www.odoka.org/

108 Problems by Joe Simon

It's a Beautiful Day by Atsa E'sha Hoferer

A film taken straight from the Facebook feed of Atsa E'sha Hoferer, a filmmaker and Water Protector at Standing Rock #1N #1NTV. The simplest of gestures. The most radical of all. All of that violence for all those hundreds of years. And still the sun rises. And still the people sing. They sing in their native languages. They sing while standing upon sacred ground. The songs demonstrate without equivocation that the people will win. No matter how long it takes.

You can find more of his work at facebook.com/esha.hoferer?fref=nf&pnref=story

The Black Snake is Devouring the Earth by Shiyé Bidzííl

A film taken straight from the Facebook feed of Shiyé Bidzííl, a filmmaker and Water Protector @ Oceti Sakowin. The first clear image of the monster—The Black Snake. In just five days, it has eaten its way to the river. But by finally seeing the monster, not just its crude violent henchmen, you can begin to imagine how also to slay it. Even the structure of the film seems to tell us: chop it up into bits. The Black Snake is ravenous. But the people are smarter. More devoted. And far more brave.

You can find more of his work at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008607349356&hc_ref=NEWSFEED.

Protect Yourselves by Patrick Brian Smith

A farmer's desire for self-protection -- encouraged and sanctioned by local law enforcement -- is appropriated as a rallying call for First Nations' communities confronting an increasingly militarized police.