American history rests on the oppression, removal, and genocide of Native Americans from their ancestral lands. In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of Native culture across the world. Escaping from the shackles of stereotype and the past, Native people have brought forth a cultural renaissance. Fueled by economic gains in a number of reservations across the United States and talented Natives living in urban centers, Native American style, food, and literature have been sweeping the world. The Native American Renaissance is an overview of the diversity of modern Native American culture and its impact on global cultural trends. From North Dakota to New Mexico to New York and everything in between, we get a glimpse into Native American existence in today’s America.
The Native American Renaissance is a decent overview of the lives and successes of modern Native Americans, but it often fails to do more than a cursory overview of a topic. Frequently given to overstatement and oversimplification, those who enjoy learning about Native cultures will find this documentary lacks the punch and scope they crave. The style, too, is a bit on the dry side, but not outside what people who enjoy documentaries would expect from a typical European production. The segment that resembles an episode of Cops rubbed me the wrong way. There’s no analysis of the over-policing and unconstitutional ways that laws are levied against Native Americans on reservations, just this out-of-place copaganda. Even with its surface-level observations, these moments quickly raise broader questions about the fairness of justice in the U.S. that go completely unaddressed. As someone who appreciates documentaries on Native cultures, I found this choice disappointing and felt the section could have benefited from deeper context and critical reflection.
However, in a classroom setting, The Native American Renaissance would do well in introductory history and culture courses. Consider this documentary most highly if you’re developing collections for university libraries. Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
The Native American Renaissance would be best placed in the Nonfiction section, particularly under Native American Studies, Indigenous Peoples of North America, or Contemporary American Culture. Libraries may also wish to shelve it alongside cultural anthropology materials or U.S. History collections that focus on Indigenous perspectives and modern developments. Given its exploration of Native identity and cultural expression, it would fit especially well into curated displays or collections that highlight Indigenous voices in the 21st century.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
This documentary would be a valuable resource for courses in Native American Studies, American History, Indigenous Rights, Cultural Studies, Anthropology, and Sociology. It would work well as an introduction to modern Indigenous life and the cultural revival movements across Native communities. While its depth may not satisfy advanced scholars looking for in-depth analysis, it provides a good starting point for discussion and further research in undergraduate classes, community education programs, and even high school history or social studies curricula.
What is the current pricing for educational institutions interested in this film?
The Native American Renaissance is available for purchase through Green Planet Films with several pricing options depending on the institution’s needs. For universities, colleges, and community organizations seeking to host public screenings, the DVD is priced at $295, which includes Public Performance Rights. Public libraries and K-12 schools may purchase the DVD for circulation purposes (without screening rights) for $49. Institutions that prefer a digital format can purchase a Life-of-File MP4 download for $395, which also includes Public Performance Rights. Additionally, a bundle option is available, offering both the DVD and the Life-of-File MP4 for $445. It can be purchased from Green Planet Films here.
