The Phoenix Film Festival is proud to present these films that spotlight stories by, experiences from, and life as a member of THE NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY

Crystal Cross

Run Time: 90 minutes

Screening Time(s):
Friday, April 10 at 6:25pm
Saturday, April 11 at 1:10pm
Sunday, April 12 at 3:30pm

Directed by: Richie James Follin

Cast: Rubyrose Hill, Richie Follin, Lukas Haas, Missi Pyle, Samantha Robinson, Luke Baines, Kayla Anjali, Eric Kelly, David Lowe, and Barbara Willams

Synopsis: A quirky Christian singer and a suicidal dad drive cross-country, forging an unlikely bond through bad decisions, bizarre roadside attractions, and an all-original soundtrack. "Crystal Cross" is a hilarious, bittersweet road trip about two lost souls finding comfort (but not salvation) in each other’s messes.

She Cried That Day

Run Time: 95 minutes

Screening Time(s):
Friday, April 10 at 9:20am
Saturday, April 11 at 5:35pm
Sunday, April 12 at 12:55pm

Directed by: Amanda Erickson

Cast: Christine Means, Karen Watson, Darlene Gomez, Debbie Begay, Stephanie Salzar

Synopsis: She Cried That Day is the story of a sister’s love and the spirit, strength and will of Indigenous Women refusing to let their loved ones remain invisible in the eyes of the justice system.

Native American
Directed Shorts

Run Time: 85 minutes

Screening Time(s):
Friday, April 10 at 4:20pm
Sunday, April 12 at 10:50am
Tuesday, April 14 at 2:20pm

My Message to You
Directed by: ‘Wáats'asdíyei Joe Yates
Synopsis: With fewer than a handful of fluent Haida speakers, Nayak'aq Yaahl (6) shares a message all in the Haida Language.

Legend of Fry-Roti: Rise of the Dough
Directed by: Sabrina Saleha
Synopsis: A Navajo/Bengali niece kneads harmony when feuding aunties spark a frybread-vs-roti showdown, pushing her to create her own recipe.

When Girls Go Missing
Directed by: Jeanette DeDios
Synopsis: Indigenous woman finds herself alone in the woods during a party and encounters something strange.

Metamorphosis
Directed by: Antonio Cavallo
Synopsis: When a young man's grandpa turns into a giant caterpillar, he must change him back, or accept the new circumstances.

Frame-Less
Directed by: William Wayne
Synopsis: A hiking date turns sour when a robber holds them at gunpoint. But using a surreal advantage, Ben fights back.

Finding Fire
Directed by: David J. Aberle
Synopsis: A young Indigenous woman far from home confronts cultural disconnection, seeking sacred space, rediscovering purpose, and the fire within herself.

The Birth of the Crying Indian
Directed by: Montana Cypress
Synopsis: "The Birth of the Crying Indian" is a comedic retelling of how the famous crying Indian commercial came to be.