The Native Spirit Film and Video festival of the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas 2008 in London, England

Press release ...

Call for Submissions to The Native Spirit Film and Video festival of the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas 2008

There is no limit to the number of submissions that can be made by a single filmmaker. The Native Spirit Festival 2008 will be accepting short and feature length film submissions to this years festival, until the 31st of August 2008. Films may be documentary or fiction and all films produced byindigenous filmmakers and productions which feature aspects ofindigenous life, history,culture, traditions, art etc. are eligible for submission.

For more details please refer to our website: www.nativespiritfestival.com

Native Spirit is a non profit organisation, made up of volunteers dedicated the empowerment and preservation of indigenous communities and cultures, worldwide and specifically the Americas. Native Spirit is responsible for several projects to benefit indigenous communities and the wider population through The Native Spirit Conference, The Natives Spirit Foundation, including a Cinematography fund and a Community fund, The Native Spirit Art Collective and The Native Spirit Festival and Tour.

The Native Spirit Festival, made its début in London during June 2007, Launching the first ever Film and Video festival of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas in Europe. A huge success The Native Spirit Festival 2007 spanned a number of venues throughout London with an inspiring programme of Indigenous film screenings, such as ?The Canary Effect?, ?Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner? and episodes from the series ?Ventanas a Mi Communidad? Live performances from ?Sofia Buchuck?, ?Grupo Andinos? ?Ambioba? and ?Jose Navarro?, etc., Art, Mosaic, Photographic, and Sculpture exhibitions, poetry readings workshops, talks and Q&A sessions with some of film directors.

The Native Spirit Festival 2008 will follow the same scheme as the 2007 festival, however we already have arrangements extend the festival on tour to several locations through out the UK and Spain as well as interest shown from venues in France and Belgium. We have also extended invitations to schools throughout the UK, to bring workshops, films and talks to school children, providing a unique insight into the lives of indigenous peoples, their cultures, histories and traditions.

The work of Native Spirit, follows the ideals of its Chair and Founder, Mapuche indigenous leader Freddy Treuquil, to unite the indigenous peoples of North, Central and South America: ?When the Condor of the South meets the Eagle of the North, the warriors of the rainbow will be born?

Native Spirit?s recent work includes organising an Event, featuring film screenings, talks, and live performances from the Navajo band ?Blackfire?, ?Arkology?, ?Kogui?, and ?Radio Revolution?, which raised funds for an Indigenous Community School of the Wayuu people of Venezuela. Details of which can also be found on the website.

Now that you have been introduced to the our work, I hope that you will help to support our efforts to provide the much-needed platform to celebrate and explore indigenous life, educating the population at large about indigenous Cosmo vision?s and their respect for Mother Earth, the struggles to protect her and the unique cultural heritages of indigenous communities.

The closing date closing date for submissions for The Native Spirit Festival 2008 will be the 31st August 2008. All entries must be accompanied by a submissions form and be sent to: The Native Spirit Festival 2008 Submissions PO Box 60545 London W2 7NF ENGLAND

Please see the submission guidelines and obtain a copy of the submissions form here; http://www.nativespiritfestival.com/english/submissions.htm

All films produced by indigenous filmmakers and productions which feature aspects of indigenous life, history, culture, traditions, art etc. are eligible for submission.

Information also available in Spanish at: http://www.nativespiritfestival.com/spanish/submissions-sp.htm

If you have any comments or questions please feel free to contact me directly. I look forward to hearing from you.