Amplifying Native and Indigenous content creators in front of and behind the camera, since 1995.
The nonprofit enterprise Red Nation Celebration Institute along with its partners of inclusion, hosts screenings and events year-round throughout the United States, as well as abroad and online, to celebrate Native and Indigenous independent storytelling, supporting artists in reaching global audiences.
Founded 1995 by Joanelle Romero is the longest standing Native Women-Led, Indigenous media arts cultural pioneer nonprofit enterprise in the Entertainment Industry.
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RNIFF 30th Edition – 93 “Official Selections’ 6 Features, 24 Documentaries, 47 Doc Shorts, 9 Narrative Shorts, 5 Animation, 2 Episodic, 57 Directed by Women.
The lineup includes World, U.S., Festival and Los Angeles Premieres.
Countries include the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, France, New Zealand, Ecuador, Argentina, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Greenland, U.K., Brazil, Australia.
The competition offers audiences a first look at groundbreaking new voices from Native and Indigenous perspective in independent film!
Special Presentation
October 13
American Holocaust: When It’s All Over I’ll Still Be Indian (Documentary Short/2000) Director: Joanelle Romero (Apache) – Celebrating the 25th Anniversary!
Angakusajaujuq: The Shaman’s Apprentice (Animated Short Film/2021) Director: Zacharias Kunuk (Inuk)
Sugarcane (Documentary Feature/2024) Directors: Julian Brave NoiseCat (Secwepemc Nation) & Emily Kassie
Special Presentation | Virtual
October 21
2025 RNCI Red Nation Awards Ceremony Nominees Press Conference on Tuesday, October 21 where we will be announcing the Film Festival nominations LIVE on Red Nation Television Network and Social Media Platforms.
CALL TO ACTION
November 1
Red Nation Celebration Institute created and founded the American Indian Heritage Month in the City/County of Los Angeles (AIHM) in 2005 and officially recognized in 2006 by the State of California and the City of Los Angeles and in the State of New Mexico 2008.
Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI) is the first American Indian & Indigenous nonprofit enterprise organization to be funded by The City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department in 2000.
WATCH * LEARN
CALL TO ACTION
November 2
Our first medicine is the sacred water in our mother’s womb.As a collective body of creatives, we will embark on a journey to share Indigenous knowledge as water protectors and environmental stewards of this land, illustrating how these roles manifest on the big screen to raise global awareness for Mother Earth.
CALL TO ACTION
November 3
Sign Up Today ONE purpose to get YOU HIRED by studios, networks and independent productions !!!
We connect underrepresented Native and Indigenous crew members to hiring managers who practice inclusive outreach.
The program is led by Red Nation Celebration Institute with Global partners, it’s a pathway that focuses on entry-level, below-the-line opportunities for Native and Indigenous talent.
CALL TO ACTION
November 4
Our Mission is a powerful media coalition initiative aimed at raising global awareness about the glaring lack of inclusion of Native Women in Film & Television in all media. This issue is directly intertwined with the devastating epidemic of Missing and Murdered Native and Indigenous Women, Girls, and People.
CALL TO ACTION
November 5
From Native and Indigenous Voices to Global Audiences take action protecting the Amazon Rainforest & ancestral lands in the U.S. and its guardians.
This week, world leaders will gather in Bélem, Brazil for COP30, the first global climate summit held in the rainforest. Brazil is home to 60% of the Amazon – the lungs of the Earth, and one of our planet’s most vital life-support systems. Yet is in peril.
In the last four decades, animal agriculture (pasture and feed crops) has driven 95% of its deforestation in Brazil. Globally animal agriculture and extractive industries like mining and oil have caused the destruction of hundreds of millions of acres of irreplaceable ecosystems.
Our Native and Indigenous Peoples have long been—and continue to be—the true guardians of our ancestral lands, showing the world that protecting nature is our most powerful solution to the crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and human well-being.
CALL TO ACTION
November 6
WATCH 200 Native & Indigenous Films, Documentaries, Live Action, Doc Shorts, Animation, Podcasts and so much more ..,
PLUS Red Nation International Film Festival selected films, RNCI Red Nation Awards and more ,,,
Viewers Like YOU make a difference in amplifying Native Indigenous Stories
FIND YOUR PERFECT PLAN
CALL TO ACTION
November 7
POWWOW HIGHWAY – The groundbreaking Native feature film that revolutionized the film industry, reshaped the Native narrative and paved the way for Indigenous storytelling in cinema.
Join us to celebrate and spotlight Native and Indigenous Independent film by looking back at the past 10 films that took home the coveted RNIFF “RNCI Red Nation Award”.
Follow, share and engage with these award winning films to do your part in amplifying Native and Indigenous voices
CALL TO ACTION
November 8
RNIFF proudly showcases the largest number of films directed by women of any film festival, continuing its legacy of championing female voices in cinema.
On this day, RNIFF calls upon all friends and supporters of the festival who are ready to activate their support to create direct impact. This day will create space for producers, buyers to connect with women directors towards supporting their artistry via network or asset support.
Take Action Purchase a Ticket
WATCH FILMS DIRECTED BY WOMEN
CALL TO ACTION
November 9
STANDING ROCK started with Native YOUTH when they were invited to lead the First Indigenous Women RISE March held Red Nation International Film Festival in Los Angeles – November 2015 and went on to organize the run to Washington DC to speak out against the Dakota Access pipeline. Native Youth Woke the World to Standing Rock & Beyond. Supported by our WOMEN, backed by our ELDERS & ANCESTORS.
Native & Indigenous Film Market
November 10-15
HOME TO THE LARGEST SELECTION OF NEW NATIVE & INDIGENOUS FILMS
Now, more than ever, is the time to invest in and support Native and Indigenous stories. Native Indigenous Film Market will be open to distributors during this time.
This is a one-of-a-kind event to connect festival filmmakers with distribution companies, production companies and esteemed members of the entertainment industry.
Film Program / In Person
November 10 - 16
LA’s Premiere Native & Indigenous Film Festival. Red Nation International Film Festival (RNIFF) is the world’s largest Native Indigenous film and media arts festival and the first of its kind in Los Angeles.
Opening Night
November 10
Executive Producers Wes Studi and Tantoo Cardinal share the story of Tribal disenrollment, the process by which an individual loses their right to be a member of a federally recognized tribe, has devasted thousands of Native Americans. The unjust ejection of legitimate tribal members is most prevalent amongst tribes operating casinos on their lands. The feature documentary “You’re No Indian,” produced with the deep collaboration and trust of our subjects, reveals the corruption and greed behind this shocking practice and its destructive impact on individuals, families and Indigenous communities in the United States.
Opening Night
November 10
A young Indigenous couple get a break from their troubled lives when they find each other through a summer of love on the Pow-Wow circuit.
Spotlight
November 10
This powerful, hard-hitting documentary reveals the link between Adolf Hitler’s treatment of German Jews and the U.S. government’s treatment of American Indians depicts disturbing parallels between these two Holocausts and explores the historical, social and religious roots of America’s own “ethnic cleansing.” The film also examines, through the words and experiences of contemporary Indian people, the long term lasting effects of this on-going destructive process and the possible ramifications for the future of American Indian people in the 21st century.
Centerpiece
November 12
Academy Award® Qualifying Film
A young Native American boy discovers strength and identity through the sacred art of Hoop Dance in this powerful story of cultural resilience and self-acceptance.
Native Women in Film Spotlight Panel
November 15
Over the course of the last eight years, RNIFF has wholeheartedly championed the screening of impressive 272 films directed by women.
This laudable initiative serves as a resounding testament to our unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity within the film industry. In a remarkable feat, we have even surpassed prominent film festivals like Toronto, Cannes, Sundance, Tribeca, & the Oscars in terms of the sheer numbers of women-directed films featured.
Confirmed Women Directors Panel
Closing Night
November 15
Two young Indigenous women on the run from the law after defending themselves from a police assault.
Awards Show
November 18
“Hollywood & Indian Country’s Biggest Night for American Indian & Indigenous Representation”
Hollywood has Oscar, Broadway has Tony, Television has the Emmy, and Indian Country has the Red Nation Film Award of Excellence™Representation
Native Indigenous Cinema
November 10 - 15
Native Indigenous Cinematic Excellence: Four Feature Films to experience. Natives in Charge of their Narrative.
Native Indigenous Cinema
November 10 - 15
RNIFF Home to Native & Indigenous Documentary’s Films
Native Indigenous Cinema
November 10 - 15
RNIFF Home to Native & Indigenous Documentary’s Films
Native Indigenous Cinema
November 10 - 15
RNIFF Home to Native & Indigenous Documentary’s Films
Native Indigenous Cinema
November 10 - 15
Native Indigenous Cinematic Excellence: Five Animation Films to experience. Natives in Charge of their Narrative.
Native Indigenous Cinema
November 10 - 15
Native Indigenous Cinematic Excellence: Two Episodics to experience. Natives in Charge of their Narrative.
Event | November 30
The American Indian Holocaust Memorial was established in 2007 by RNCI, Downton Los Angeles. The ceremony was held at The Los Angeles State Historic Park.
Plant A Tree * Save A Life
Festival at Home
November 10 - December 31
RNIFF mission to break barriers of racism by creating systemic change through film television in all media in order to eliminate American Indian stereotypes.
Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI), The Authentic Voice for American Indian & Indigenous Nations, founded 1995. The Creative Enterprise by Natives delivering to all people the stories that shape our world. The longest standing Native Women-Led, Indigenous media arts cultural pioneer nonprofit enterprise in the Entertainment Industry. Based in Los Angeles and Santa Fe NM, serving Indian Country & Entertainment Industry, representing 570+ Native Nations, established a rich legacy of work by supporting 894+ Native Indigenous filmmakers. Mission is to break barriers of racism by creating systemic change through media and pop culture in order to eliminate Native American stereotypes. Our Vision for the future of cinema is one in which Native Indigenous perspectives are authentically pictured, recognized, and valued in a way that promotes strong authentic Native identities, economic outcomes, equity, and wellness for our Indigenous communities.
Meet RNCI Board of Directors https://rednationff.com/board-of-directors/
RNCI Properties include: Red Nation International Film Festival, RNCI Red Nation Awards, Red Nation Television Network Native Indigenous Media Streaming Company (predating Netflix and all other streaming services), Native Women in Film & Television in All Media, RNCI Crew, California Native Film Commission, New Mexico Film Commission, American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles, Native Studies Center, Native Indigenous Student Academy for Cinematic Arts #NotTodayColonizer, and #NativeYouthMatter – If I Can See It I Can Be It.
Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and your experience ‘On the Red is Green Carpet’ with us on Twitter @rednationff Facebook Red Nation Film Festival and Instagram
Elevating Native and Indigenous Voices Through Storytelling
Red Nation International Film Festival (RNIFF) is the largest Native & Indigenous Film Festival in the U.S. and worldwide!
The first of its kind in Los Angeles.
