January 22, 2024

The Department of Sociology's annual film series returns this month. This year, the Sociology Film Series will feature three documentaries that showcase the rich history and cultures of Indigenous peoples and their growing movements to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities.   

Each film demonstrates the resilience of Native Americans in the face of adversity, and pushes us to consider how our national legacy of genocide and discrimination shapes our current struggles for racial justice. A discussion will follow each film, focusing on themes of political and social advocacy, intergenerational trauma and cultural identity. 

The Sociology Film Series is free and open to all, and pizza and beverages will be served. All screenings will be held in-person at 3101 Market St., Room 223. Read more about the films below and RSVP here. 

Gather — Wednesday, January 24: 6–8 p.m. 

Gather illustrates the growing movement among Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty. The film follows chef Nephi Craig of the White Mountain Apache Nation as he opens an indigenous café, a young scientist from the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation who conducts landmark studies on bison, and Ancestral Guard, a group of environmental activists from the Yurok Nation and their efforts to save the Klamath River. 

Mankiller — Wednesday, February 7: 6–8 p.m. 

Mankiller is the story of Wilma Mankiller, who overcame sexism to become the Cherokee Nation’s first woman Principal Chief in 1985. During her three terms as the Nation’s highest leader, Mankiller fought to substantially improve living conditions and in 1990 signed an unprecedented self-determination agreement, in which the Cherokee Nation took control of its funding, programs and services from the federal government. 

This May Be the Last Time — Wednesday, February 21: 6–8 p.m. 

This film from director Sterlin Harjo explores the origins of the hymns he grew up with, which had been passed down among generations of Seminole and Creek people. Harjo interviews family members and locals, as well as academic experts on the subject, to share the stories of these powerful songs of faith and hope.