FESTIVAL PREMIERE

LIVE ACTION | USA | 13 MINUTES | English

Braids

Director: Elise M Beers

“BRAIDS” follows a young Native American boy, Raven, who grapples with identity, tradition, and societal pressures in a world that often misunderstands his heritage. Through the lens of a single school day, the film explores the struggle between maintaining cultural integrity and conforming to societal expectations.

CAST & CREDITS

Director

Elise M Beers

Producer

Bryson Alejandro, Jekeva Phillips

Writer

Elise M Beers

Key Cast

Julius Sweet-Tsosie

DIRECTORS BIO

Elise Beers Aachix̂ Qağaduug is an award-winning director and an enrolled member of the Aleut/Unangan Native American Tribe. With a BFA in Dance Performance, Choreography, and Filmmaking from BYU and an MFA from the American Film Institute Conservatory, Elise’s directorial vision is driven by her deep connection to nature, cultural heritage, and authentic performances. Her work, which spans documentaries, short narratives, music videos, and Screendance, such as SETTLE, focuses on creating contemporary Indigenous art. Elise’s background as a Dancer and Choreographer with EarthWorksDance Company informs her cinematic approach, blending movement, visual storytelling, and a rich narrative style. Outside of her film career, she has performed professional Improv for Comedy Sportz for over ten years. is also a certified PT who enjoys climbing mountains.

DIRECTORS STATEMENT

The vision for Braids is to create a poignant, visually compelling narrative that honors the resilience of Indigenous cultures while addressing the ongoing challenges they face. The film aims to provoke thought and empathy, challenging viewers to reflect on the subtle yet profound ways cultural identity is shaped and suppressed in everyday life today. This script is inspired by a few different stories from my family and the current climate of modern colonization through US schools. I want this film to honor my ancestors who were sent to boarding schools and to help shed light on the modern issues that Native children still endure to fit into this colonized education system. Blending a heartfelt story with strong visual and thematic elements, Braids is a story about resilience, identity, and the quiet strength it takes to hold onto one’s roots.

Program Seven

SHOWTIMES

Saturday, November 15
Screening: Time TBA

 

Program Seven

Wasteland 

When Girls Go Missing

Good Daze  

The Woman Who Married a Bear 

Braids 

 

Once Purchased
your name will be at ‘Will Call’

AMC The Grove 14

189 The Grove Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Parking

At The Theatre

RNCI RNIFF Gold Logo

31 YEARS OF IMPACT

Elevating Native and Indigenous Voices Through Storytelling

Celebrating Culture & Community

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.