For many young Native Americans, leaving home is the dream. Delwin Fiddler Jr. left his reservation to get away from struggles and events that left his family shattered. He moved far away from his home on the plains, ending up in Philadelphia, where he built a new life. He never forgot his roots, though, remaining a constant figure in the native dance and powwow circuits as a champion grass dancer. More than a decade after leaving, he had a change of heart and returned home to rekindle his relationship with his family and fulfil his mother’s desire to carry on the family legacy. Without Arrows follows Delwin and his family for twelve years, chronicling the day to day and the special events within that span of time
Official selection at several big-name film festivals like DIFF, Big Sky, and Riverrun, Without Arrows is an incredibly intimate and in-depth study of one Lakȟóta family. Filmed between 2011 and 2023, this documentary is incredibly intimate without being invasive, and the credit for that goes mostly to Co-director Ojibwe filmmaker Elizabeth Day. She wanted to shoot this film with native audiences in mind and has been interviewed about the experience of sharing the film with native communities:
"The audience was roaring on the floor, laughing, knee-slapping. A woman in front of me was like, 'been there, done that.' And I was like, 'Yes, this is our audience.'"
If your collection serves a native community in North America or an active Native American studies department, Without Arrows would be a fantastic addition to library shelves. Those studying the lives of individual Americans will be interested too for the film’s focus on fatherhood, family, and the unique struggles natives face in pursuing these and other goals. Library patrons and students who can’t get enough ethnography will be very interested in Without Arrows for Delwin and his family’s heavy participation in powwow and dance culture, while those who enjoy studies of family life will be enthralled by the scale and length of this film. Highly recommended.
How can Without Arrows be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Without Arrows can be integrated into public libraries’ collection development as an important resource for understanding Native American life and culture. The documentary provides an intimate look at a Lakȟóta family's experiences, exploring themes of identity, family, and cultural preservation. It would be valuable for libraries focused on Native American history, cultural studies, or anthropology. It could also serve as an important educational tool for local communities and for raising awareness about the diverse and evolving experiences of Native Americans today.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Without Arrows?
Without Arrows would be valuable in a range of college courses and majors, such as:
- Native American Studies: The documentary offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary Native American life and cultural practices.
- Anthropology: It provides insights into Native American traditions, family dynamics, and the preservation of culture.
- Sociology: The film can be used to explore family dynamics, the impact of historical trauma, and the resilience of indigenous communities.
- Film Studies: The documentary offers a strong example of ethnographic filmmaking and can be studied for its portrayal of Native American culture from an insider’s perspective.
- Gender and Family Studies: It examines fatherhood, family relationships, and generational connections, making it relevant to students studying family dynamics and gender roles.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use Without Arrows in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs could use Without Arrows to promote cultural awareness and engage communities in meaningful discussions about Native American culture and history. By hosting screenings and discussions, they could provide a platform for Native American voices and facilitate conversations about family, tradition, and the challenges facing indigenous communities today. This could be part of community outreach programs, especially in areas with a significant Native population or where there is a need for greater cultural understanding.
What are the Public Performance Rights (PPR) considerations for screening Without Arrows?
When screening Without Arrows in public settings, it is essential to secure Public Performance Rights (PPR). This involves obtaining the necessary licensing to show the film in a public space such as a community center, library, or school. Institutions need to confirm that they have the appropriate rights to ensure legal compliance and support the filmmakers. Libraries, educational institutions, or community organizations hosting screenings will need to arrange this licensing beforehand.
How could Without Arrows enhance special events on college campuses?
Without Arrows could enhance special events on college campuses by offering a unique, authentic perspective on Native American culture. It could be featured during cultural awareness weeks, Native American Heritage Month, or film festivals focused on diversity and inclusion. The film could be followed by discussions with scholars, filmmakers, or community leaders to dive deeper into the themes of identity, family, and cultural preservation. It would also be an excellent addition to events related to social justice, indigenous rights, or cultural studies.
Why is Without Arrows a strong candidate for movie licensing?
Without Arrows is a strong candidate for movie licensing because of its educational value, emotional depth, and cultural significance. The film’s portrayal of family life, Native American traditions, and the generational impact of historical trauma makes it an important resource for both academic settings and public screenings. Its focus on intimate, authentic storytelling provides a unique window into the lives of a Lakȟóta family, making it highly relevant for educational institutions, libraries, and cultural events. Given its festival selections and critical acclaim, it is likely to draw audiences interested in both indigenous cultures and the personal stories of resilience and reconciliation.