Indigenous Film Series Comes to Plains Art Museum

BY SCOTTIE KNOLLIN

Filmmaker Falcon Gott will present two films sharing Indigenous issues and perspectives in a special film series at Plains Art Museum in Fargo.

On March 31, see two films by Academy Award-winning writer/director Taika Waititi, courtesy of Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission:

Two Cars, One Night

This 2004 film is a celebrated short film from Waititi’s early years in filmmaking. While waiting for their parents, two boys and a girl meet in the carpark of a rural pub. What at first seems to be a relationship based on rivalry, soon develops into a close friendship. We learn that love can be found in the most unlikely places.

The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. It received the short film award at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

In 2016, Waititi made waves with his award-winning coming of age film about misfit kid, Ricky Baker. When Ricky’s foster aunt suddenly passes away, he’s left alone with his grumpy uncle Hec (played by Sam Neill). The unlikely duo find themselves on the run in the vast New Zealand bush, evading child services and the law.

The film was an indie box office hit and earned several prominent awards season nominations, including Best International Independent Film at the British Independent Film Awards.