GRANITE FALLS, Minn. — Two films produced by Pioneer PBS’s Postcards program will be shown at the INDIANER INUIT: THE NORTH AMERICA FILM FESTIVAL in Stuttgart, Germany. The festival runs from February 2 – 5. The two programs to be featured, “Maya Bdeg’a” and “Walter ‘Super’ LaBatte” were both produced by the Postcards team of Dana Conroy, Kristofor Gieske and Ben Dempcy.
In “Maya Bdeg’a,” Walter “Super” LaBatte Jr. narrates a family story about the origins of how Pelican Hill on Lake Traverse – a lake between the border of Minnesota and South Dakota – got its name. This story was passed down through generations of LaBatt’s family and was told to him when he was a child. This short film received an Upper Midwest Emmy® in 2018. It will be shown on Friday, February 3 at 2 p.m.
Walter ”Super” LaBatte Jr. of the Pejuhutazizi community (the place where they dig for yellow medicine) in Minnesota has become known in Native circles for his traditional process of tanning deer hides, making beaded moccasins, drums and his pasdayapi (corn soup). This piece tells the story of how he overcame alcohol addiction and found purpose in life through learning and mastering traditional Dakota crafts. “Walter ‘Super’ LaBatte” will be shown on Saturday, February 4 at 2 p.m.
These films are made possible by contributions from the voters of Minnesota through a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Additional funding to support stories about Scandinavian and Native American culture, heritage and intergenerational learning comes from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.
About the INDIANER INUIT: THE NORTH AMERICA FILM FESTIVAL
The theme of the 2023 INDIANER INUIT: THE NORTH AMERICA FILM FESTIVAL is MORE THAN LEATHER AND FEATHER. Bold, courageous and progressive indigenous artists shine a light on their traditions, play with traditional materials and connect them with new techniques. The festival celebrates the native cultures of North America – far removed from Hollywood stereotypes – with more than 50 impressive films of various genres, as well as with music, dance, discussions and prominent guests. Fashion – just like film – expresses vitality, beauty and diversity, which is evident from the powerful photographs of the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Fashion Show being on exhibition at the German-American Institute (d.a.i.) Tübingen. Indigenous designers say: we use fashion as an expression of our history, our pride, and our power of resistance.
About Pioneer PBS
Pioneer PBS is an award-winning, viewer-supported television station, dedicated to sharing local stories of the region with the world. For more information visit: www.pioneer.org.