A night at the Navajo Cinema Showcase
Navajo Times | Nicholas House
From left to right, Kellyn Morris, Goldie Tom, Brandon Barber and Natalie Benally answer a q and a after the Navajo Cinema Showcase at the El Morro Theatre in Gallup on Jan. 25.
By Nicholas House
Navajo Times
TÓ ŁIZHIN, N.M. – The El Morro Theatre in Gallup was abuzz with excitement on the evening of Jan. 25. The Navajo Cinema Showcase, hosted by the charismatic duo, Goldie Tom and Ryan Begay, was in full swing.
The theatre was filled with filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts, all eager to celebrate the rich tapestry of Navajo storytelling.
Navajo Times | Nicholas House
Diné film producers, directors, and actors answer a q and a after the Navajo Cinema Showcase at the El Morro Theatre in Gallup on Jan. 25.
Goldie Tom and Ryan Begay, the producers, and heads of the festival, took the stage first. With a warm smile, Tom introduced the evening’s lineup, highlighting the diverse range of films that would be showcased.
“We have some incredible talent here tonight,” Tom began, “including cast members from ‘Cleaning’s a Cakewalk’ and ‘Honor Song.’ We’re thrilled to share their experiences from both the creator’s side and as participants in these projects.”
Ryan Begay, the co-host, and filmmaker joined Tom on stage. He shared his journey as an actor and filmmaker, emphasizing the importance of creating stories that go beyond the stereotypical portrayals of Native people.
“I’ve always come across roles that fit Hollywood’s mold of what a Native person is supposed to be like,” Begay explained how exterior films reap from Indigenous traumas and hardships. “But we have so much more to offer. We have dreams, flaws, and we’re just like everyone else, trying to find our way.”
To read the full article, please see the Feb. 13, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.
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