#WhoTellsTheStoryMatters Red Nation International Film Festival (RNIFF) is a program of Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI) the Creative Enterprise by Natives delivering to all people the stories that shape our world.
Red Nation Celebration Institute is a pioneer, Native Women-LED, Indigenous enterprise-founded in 1995. Making its mark as the longest standing Native Media, Arts & Cultural nonprofit in the City of Los Angeles and the first Native organization funded by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs includes the largest Native Indigenous Independent Film Festival in the world, serving Indian Country & Entertainment Industry, representing over 575+ Native Nations in the U.S. and collectively on the planet 1200.
Our core foundation is uniting creatives within our community with Hollywood to bring together a greater voice to the entertainment industry and the world at large. Red Nation Celebration Institute is honored and proud to work with strong leaders within our Native Nations across Indian Country America and our Indigenous talent from directors, producers, writers, actors and crew in front of and behind the camera, fostering the next generation of talent and leaders. #NativesInChargeOfTheirNarrative
RNCI turns 30 in 2025 #RNCILegacyProject
Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI) has established a rich legacy of work supporting more than 5000+ Native and Indigenous filmmakers through its streaming company Red Nation Television Network, amplifying more than 894 Native Indigenous filmmakers through its Red Nation International Film Festival.
Filmmakers includes (short-list) Danis Goulet, Sterlin Harjo, Loretta Todd, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Mark Williams, James Bird, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Kyle Kauwika Harris, Katsitsionni Fox, Daniel Foreman, Alba Enid García, Klee Benally, Yvonne Russo, Randy Redroad, Jeffrey Palmer, Hepi Mita, Chelsea Winstanley, Taika Waititi including allies that have made Native and Indigenous themed films or have been presenters at RNCI Red Nation Awards Christian Bale, Scott Cooper, Benicio del Toro, Edward James Olmos, Ed Begley Jr., Chloe Zhao, Taylor Sherdian, Joe Berlinger, Rebecca Harrell Tickell, Josh Tickell, Susanna White, Stephen S. Campanelli, Brigitte Timmerman, Deborah Anderson, Kathleen Hepburn, Jaima Chevalier, Joanne Storkan, Haroula Rose, Lesley Johnson, Chris Writs, Mark Ruffalo Jason George, Dolores Huerta and Dan Aykroyd.
In the last four years RNCI has screened 103 films directed by women.
Thank you to our generous sponsors and partners in amplifying Native Indigenous storytelling.
The Native Indigenous Student Academy for Cinematic Arts is a program of Red Nation Celebration Institute amplifying emerging Native Indigenous student filmmakers. Each year, college, university and high school film students from all over the world compete for awards and cash grants, with films being judged in the following categories: Animation, Documentary, Live Action Narrative and Alternative/Experimental.
2022 Festival Key Dates – BE in the Know
The Red Nation International Film Festival is the connection to cultural bridging of independent Native Indigenous artists and audiences, amplifying emerging voices and perspectives for the Native Indigenous storyteller. The 2022 Festival will take place
November 1 – 30.
2022 Red Nation International Film Festival: InPerson Screenings, Online Platform, Health Safety, & Ticketing Details
Time to begin planning your experience at the largest Native Indigenous Film Festival in the country. 2022 Details include: ticketing options, venues, and RNIFF health and safety for our artists and audiences.
RNCI Artist Programs Year Round
RNCI Crew
The program is led by Red Nation Celebration Institute with Global partners, it’s a pathway that focuses on behind the camera, entry-level, below-the-line opportunities for Native and Indigenous talent.