Arts

Kodee Artis grew up on the rez in Iyanbito, New Mexico, watching films like “Lord of the Rings” and “Conan the Barbarian.”

It’s one of the older events, but the emphasis in this year’s fine arts competition at the Navajo Nation Fair is on youth and innovation.

It was clear that something had changed at the Santa Fe Indian Market’s Native Cinema Showcase.

Much to his surprise, Emanuel Webb’s Facebook page blew up last fall when he started posting short homegrown videos of himself telling old-school rez stories.

The house lights were lowered and the curtains opened as the “Applause” sign lit up for the opening of the first ever Rez Night Live on July 5, an evening of comedy skits, a weekend news update and musical guest.