| Description |
1 online resource (29 min.) |
| Series |
Filmakers Library online
|
| Summary |
This unique and highly visual documentary shows an ancient, sacred Apache ceremony that has never before been filmed. The Sunrise Ceremony which marks the passage from adolescence to adulthood for young Apache women, is disappearing under the pressure of cultural assimilation. This documentary focuses on 13-year-old Maureen Nachu, who lives on the Fort Apache Reservation, in Whiteriver, Arizona. It captures the elaborate preparations for the ceremony: the mystical rituals of the Medicine Man who presides over the dance, the spiritual purification rites in the "Sweat Lodge," and the secret midnight appearance of the "Crown Dancers." The Sunrise Dance is a tremendous physical test, lasting three days. It proves that Maureen has the courage and strength of character to take her place in adult society. For Maureen, her family and her community, the dance is a reaffirmation of tribal identity and the celebration of the role of women in Apache society |
| Credits |
Producer, Gianfranco Norelli ; director of photography, Ettore Botta ; editor, Luca Biavati ; narrators, Gianfranco Norelli, Daniel Elias |
| Audience |
For High School; College; Adult audiences |
| Notes |
English |
|
ALA Selected Films for Young Adults, 1996 |
|
American Anthropological Association, 1995 |
|
Festival dei Popoli, Florence, 1994 |
|
Margaret Mead Film Festival, 1994 |
|
DVD version record |
| Subject |
Apache Indians -- Rites and ceremonies.
|
|
Changing Woman Ceremony (Apache rite)
|
|
Apache Indians -- Rites and ceremonies
|
|
Changing Woman Ceremony (Apache rite)
|
| Genre/Form |
Documentary
|
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Nonfiction films
|
|
Nonfiction films.
|
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Films autres que de fiction.
|
| Form |
Streaming video
|
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