Celebrity
41st Annual American Indian Film Festival Kicks Off November 4-11 in San Francisco
Published
10 years agoon
By
Willie David
SAN FRANSISCO, (FNN NEWS) By American Indian Film Institute — AIFI stands in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North Dakota and their thousands of native and non-native allies in the struggle to protect their waters and homelands against bio oil and the development of the Dakota Access Pipeline. This is the most recent of the ongoing struggles of indigenous peoples of this continent to protect and preserve their homelands and ways of life against colonial and capitalist interests. AIFI has presented these stories and many others of cultural affirmation, resistance and survival over the years and they will continue to be featured through the 41st Annual American Indian Film Festival, to be presented November 4-11 in San Francisco.
The public is invited to enjoy film screenings, appearances by filmmakers, actors and directors, Q&A sessions, and memorable entertainment during the 8-day event– capped by the American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show on November 11.
“The contemporary medium of cinema as a tool for a very ancient art – storytelling – has always been at the core of the American Indian Film Institute, and our festival,” notes AIFI founder and president, Michael Smith (Sioux). “As we move into our fifth decade, we’re more committed than ever to spotlight and share these vital stories – films, by, for and about American Indian and First Nations peoples – with all communities. This is the best of Native cinema, and we’re excited to celebrate the 41st annual American Indian Film Festival with our filmmakers, entertainers and audiences.”
The AMC Van Ness 14 theaters (1000 Van Ness Ave.), is the venue for the festival’s line-up of live short, animation, documentary and feature films, plus public service and music videos, and youth films from AIFI’s Tribal Touring Program.
The full schedule of 13 film programs, with both matinee and evening screenings, is available online at: http://www.aifisf.com/film-schedule
Notable films of AIFF 41 include:
November 4: The Saver, an 88-minute feature film starring Imajyn Cardinal directed by Wiebke von Carolsfeld
November 5: The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic of North America is spotlighted in recording artist Crystal Shawanda’s Pray Sister Pray,” a music video directed by Joseph Osawabine; followed by the short: Sister, Daughter, directed by Nathaniel Arcand (Into The West; Blackstone) and the feature On the Farm starring Elle-Maija Tailfeathers
November 7: Fractured Land, a documentary feature directed by Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis
November 8: Lisa D. Olken and Larry Pourier’s documentary feature, Red Power Energy, along with The Northlander, a 98-minute feature film directed by Benjamin R. Hayden, and starring Roseanne Supernault, Michelle Thrush, Julian Black-Antelope, Corey Sevierand Nathaniel Arcand.
November 9: A 97-minute feature Before the Streets/Avant Les Rues, starring Rykko Bellemare, Kwena Bellemare-Boivin, Jacques Newashish, Janis Ottawa, Martin Dubreuil and Normand Daoust
November 10: AIFF41’s Closing Film Program wraps with producer-recording artist Robby Romero’s music video, “Earth Revolution” featuring UN youth ambassador Ta’Kaiya Blaney; Kyle Bell’s behind-the-scenes look at the epic art of Steven Paul Judd; followed by the feature film Te Ata, starring Q’Orianka Kilcher (The New World), acclaimed Oneida actor Graham Greene (The Green Mile, Dances With Wolves, Die Hard With A Vengeance), and Comanche actor Gil Birmingham (Twilight, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, Rango;and the recent Hell or High Water), alongside Academy Award-winner, Jeff Bridges.
AIFI’s American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show starts at 7 pm (doors open at 6 pm) on November 11, at the Fillmore Heritage Center (formerly Yoshi’s), 1310 Fillmore Street, San Francisco. The show will be co-hosted by Metis-Cree actress Roseanne Supernault(Rhymes For Young Ghouls; Maina; Blackstone), and Tlingit, Koyukon-Athabascan actor Martin Sensmeier (The Magnificent Seven, Longmire), and features live entertainment from Twice As Good (a father and son duo from the Pomo Tribe); Hard Rock Records recording artist Spencer Battiest (Seminole Nation of Florida) along with his brother Zachary aka Doc; Ta’Kaiya Blaney, accompanied by Robbie Romero; and the Navajo comedy duo James & Ernie. The American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show includes presentations for Best Film, Best Music Video, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Documentary, and many more.
Kiowa-Choctaw creative force, Steven Paul Judd returns as AIFF 41’s Official Festival Artist. Judd’s poster, “Endeavour to Persevere,” is an homage to film dialogue spoken by the late, legendary First Nations actor and leader, Chief Dan George, in the iconic Western, The Outlaw Josey Wales. The unforgettable Chief Dan George was the inspiration for the creation of the American Indian Film Festival®.Catch a glimpse of Judd’s amazing, art-filled life, in the documentary short film, Dig It If You Can, directed by Kyle Bell.
The 41st annual American Indian Film Festival® is sponsored by: Comcast NBCUniversal, Jackson Rancheria CA, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe WA, Comcast Streampix; Media Partners: Chickasaw Nation Oklahoma, National Indian Gaming Association, CBS NY, Tulalip Tribes WA; Venue Sponsor: AMC Van Ness 14; Foundation Partners: The San Francisco Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, George Lucas Family Foundation; and the San Francisco Grants for the Arts.
The American Indian Film Festival® is open to the general public-at-large; and invites all- communities to celebrate November American Indian Heritage Month.
Advance tickets for the film festival and awards show are available thru aifisf.com.
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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Ananda Lewis, the charismatic MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news, sharing that Ananda passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home.
Born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California, Lewis rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a VJ on MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her engaging personality and insightful interviews made her a beloved figure among viewers, and she earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award for her work on BET’s Teen Summit.
Beyond her television career, Lewis was a passionate advocate for social issues. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, addressing topics like domestic violence and breast cancer, aiming to provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Her commitment to authenticity and social impact resonated with many, and she continued to use her platform to inspire and educate.
In 2020, Lewis publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and later revealed that it had progressed to stage 4. Despite medical advice recommending a double mastectomy, she chose alternative treatments, later expressing some regret about that decision. Throughout her illness, Lewis remained vocal about cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their health and live authentically.
Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace authenticity and advocate for positive change.
Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in entertainment who also became a voice for health advocacy. Her legacy includes a strong commitment to authenticity and social impact, and her estimated financial worth was around $8 million.
Ananda Lewis’s impact on television and her dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of many.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.
A Career Full of Iconic Roles
Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.
Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.
The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
Published
1 year agoon
January 28, 2025By
Mike Brodsky
ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.
Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)
Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.
