The Elphinstone Institute Ethnographic Film Series

The Elphinstone Institute Ethnographic Film Series
-

This is a past event

Screening of 2 short films followed by a discussion.

Our Lives In Our Hands examines the traditional Native American craft of basketmaking as a means of economic and cultural survival for Aroostook Micmac Indians of northern Maine. Filmed between 1983 and 1985, when the US government did not yet officially recognize their tribal status and before their successful land claim (1991), this documentary aims to break down stereotypical images. Basketmakers are filmed cutting brown ash trees in the winter woods, at their craft in their homes, at work on local potato farms and at business meetings of their tribal cooperative. First person commentaries are augmented by music based on an early 17th-century Micmac melody.

People's Stuff is a document of six collectors of unusual objects. Creating an environment for storytelling, the subjects reveal inner dreams and motivations as they share both their collections and their lives with the viewer.

The films will be followed by a discussion.

No booking required. Free entry. All welcome.

Elphinstone Institute Logo

Hosted by
University of Aberdeen Elphinstone Institute
Venue
MacRobert Building
Contact

The Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen
elphinstone@abdn.ac.uk
01224 272996