Interview with Nanobah Becker

About a year and a half ago, in the spring of 2008, I was given the opportunity to travel to Kansas City to attend the Kansas City Jubilee for research for Citizen Jane. It was while attending a panel sponsored by Kansas City Women in Film and Television that I was introduced to Nanobah Becker, a Navajo filmmaker. The panel was on women in film and Nanobah opened my eyes the world of Native American filmmaking. I had never before realized that Native Americans had their own little industry. I guess, like many other Americans, I had pushed the Native Culture out of my mind, concentrating on anything but their culture. The following fall I was able to meet Nanobah again and have a brief conversation with her about her films and some advise about Los Angeles. Our conversation was, unfortunately cut short and I never got a chance to really connect with her again. She remained with me and opened up a whole new world of film opportunities. During this year’s Citizen Jane, I met Georgina Lightening and the Native American film industry was once again front and center in my world.
Nanobah Becker was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. She received a BA in Anthropology from Brown University and a MFA in Film from Columbia University, specializing in Directing. Before she became interested in film she worked with Native youth in both the Navajo Nation and at the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque. She has received several grants and fellowships. Most recently she was chosen to take part in Project: Involve, “a nine-month production and professional program of Film Independent in Los Angeles” (nativenetworks.si.edu/Eng/rose/becker_n.htm).
"I have always been fascinated by film. Recognizing the lack of media reflecting the experience of Navajo youth, I decided there was ample room for me to explore filmmaking. That got me started. What keeps me going is the elusiveness of it. Filmmaking is a craft that can never be mastered I'm constantly learning with each new project, each new idea." (nativenetworks.si.edu/Eng/rose/becker_n.htm)

Glew: When and why did you become interested in film?
Becker: I first became very interested in Cinema when I was in high school--it was my escape. I made my first film in grad school at age 26.

G: Are all of your films about Native Americans or Native American themes?
B: I have directed two shorts, one with an entirely Chicano cast shot in Albuquerque, NM and the other with an entirely Navajo cast in the Navajo language shot on the Navajo Nation. I have produced 2 other 35mm, narrative, short films out on the reservation by Navajo directors. I have also helped produce films by Mexican and Mexican-American directors. My unproduced screenplays are Navajo themed, but I have ideas for documentaries and reality TV that do not concern Navajo or Native American themes directly.

G: At Citizen Jane this year, filmmaker Georgina Lightening talked about the issues that still plague the Native American community, do you believe that more films about Native Americans and the issues they face will help bring awareness to current situations?
B: More films by Native Americans about the issues they face will help educate those who chose to watch those films. However it is very important that tribes embrace media production within their own communities to promote their own beliefs, cultures, and languages for their youth.

G: I read that you were chosen to be involved with Project: Involve, could you tell me a little about it and why it is so important?
B: Project:Involve is a mentoring/talent development program that promotes diversity within the industry. It is run by Film Independent, which puts on the LA Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards. Programs like this one are competitive to get into and give you access to like-minded filmmakers in the industry you might otherwise not get to meet.

G: Do you believe the number of Native Americans in the film industry has increased or decreased with in recent years?
B: The number of Native Americans on the creative side of the film industry has increased. Most of us work independently. Some work for Hollywood. There are no Native American executives in the industry that I'm aware of.

G: Why do you feel it is hard for Native Americans to get roles in films in which they don’t portray the stereotypical Indian?
B: It is hard for Native American actors to repeatedly portray buckskin-wearing squaws or new agey shamans because those images serve to further marginalize us in American society and culture. Hollywood doesn’t think films like that would make any money.

G: Where do you see both your future in film and the future of Native Americans in film going?
B: I plan to direct something next year--whatever that is remains to be seen. I'd like to continue my directing career into the future and eventually produce for other talent, up-and-coming filmmakers. In television, I think we will soon see a Native American themed sit-com. In film, I think Native American directors will continue to make stronger and stronger work that will get them attention in the European and Art House crowds. And the Navajo Nation will be the first tribe to produce an Oscar winning film.

G: What advise would you give young women trying to get into Hollywood?
B: Remember that everyone struggles when they start out in LA. If there is anything else you would be happier doing, don't get into the film business. Learn to live cheaply. Use your connections.

G: What advise do you have for getting into the Native American film industry?
B: If you have a good story, pick up a camera. It's an exciting time to be a part of this movement!