The Films

• Year 2022
• Country United States
• Runtime 14 min
• Director Andrew Harrison-Brown

Michigan Premiere

For time immemorial, climbing has been a traditional activity for Kanaka Maoli. While history shows Native Hawaiians climbed over mountains and scrambled rocks to trade goods and information with their neighbors, today few Indigenous members of the tropical islands practice climbing actively. For Skye Kolealani Razon-Olds, climbing is a way to connect with her ancestors. With few “official” outdoor climbing spaces on the island of Hawaii, Skye and her friends make due by visiting local State and National Parks to climb. It is here that the discovery of various petroglyphs left by her ancestors ignited her to protect and advocate for these sacred lands for her own sons and generations to come.

• Year 2023
• Country United States
• Runtime 16 min
• Director Zeppelin Zeerip

Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick, Adult Language

Apayauq Reitan’s journey of gender, mental health, and purpose on her way to become the first out transgender woman to complete the legendary Iditarod sled dog race across Alaska.

• Year 2022
• Country United States
• Runtime 7 min
• Director Finn Ryan

Filmmaker in Attendance, Michigan Premiere, World Premiere

The Lac Court Oreilles community in northern Wisconsin has persevered through loss of land, language, and culture. These losses resulted in historical trauma that continues to challenge the community. This short film shares traditional ceremonies that are used by the community to heal and revitalize their Anishinaabe life ways.

• Year 2023
• Country Canada
• Runtime 11 min
• Director Andrea Wing

Michigan Premiere

A Yukon trapper, in the twilight of his career, passes along his ethos and his trapline to a young woman determined to carry on his work.

• Year 2023
• Country United States
• Runtime 12 min
• Director Nina Ignaczak

Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly, Staff Pick, Making Waves Recipient

Grassroots efforts create opportunities for Detroit’s Black community to connect with the great outdoors.