Conclusion

American Indian film production can be best described as a megaphone that can reach beyond any state, nation, or country. It is a powerful tool that distinguishes the culture, the people, and the problems that arise for the community.  There are many different methods to engage with this material, designating these films as Fourth Cinema establishes their origin and adds further credibility to the films themselves. Knowing the history of the culture and the current events that have or will effect the community is pivotal to understanding the context that these films are placed in. Analyzing the production methods that are being applied adds depth to the project's message, as it changes a project from a film produced by people telling someone else's story, to a film produced by people who are actively effected by the harms of stereotype, racism, and United States legislation. The films that were selected for this project serve as an intro into American Indian film production and the variety of genres, and themes, that are used in their stories.