The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and the National Gallery of Art are presenting the eight-part film and discussion series “Film Indians Now!” The programs offer visitors a fresh perspective on how contemporary Native Americans present themselves through the media.

“Film Indians Now!” is inspired by the National Gallery of Art’s George de Forest Brush exhibition and the National Museum of the American Indian’s “Fritz Scholder: Indian/Not Indian” exhibition. The series will open on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the National Gallery of Art’s East Building Auditorium and concludes Sunday, Dec. 7, at the National Museum of the American Indian’s Rasmuson Theater.

Throughout the “Film Indians Now!” weekend roster, films will be alternately screened at both locations and followed by a moderated discussion. The National Gallery of Art opens the series showcasing two films that question the romantic perception of the Native female identity: “Conversion,” directed by Nanobah Becker (Navajo) and Disney’s “Pocahontas,” directed by Mike Gabriel and Eric Goldberg. The National Museum of the American Indian kicks off its first screening for the series with Strange Love,which will feature the film“Club Native,” directed by Tracey Deer (Mohawk). This segment documents the struggles of four women as they try to protect their status as tribal members.

“Film Indians Now!” will introduce audiences to the artistry and influence of Native cinema and performance art. “This historic series will expose visitors to the exciting interpretation of cinema through the eyes of contemporary Native American artists,” said Kevin Gover (Pawnee/Comanche), director of the National Museum of the American Indian.

“The National Gallery of Art is pleased to collaborate in this film series with the National Museum of the American Indian, and we hope that many of our visitors will become familiar with the fascinating work of American artists George de Forest Brush and Fritz Scholder in our respective exhibitions that inspired the series,” said Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art.

All screenings are free. The full screening schedules and film synopses can be found at www.AmericanIndian.si.edu and www.nga.gov.

The National Gallery of Art, located on the National Mall between 3rd and 7th streets at Constitution Avenue N.W., is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Located on the National Mall at 4th Street and Independence Avenue S.W., between the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol Building, the National Museum of the American Indian is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Production background, biographies and selected stills are available. Filmmakers and participants are available for interviews. Call (202) 633-6613.

SI-438-2008