Reel Injun

Neil Diamond · 2010
86min · DCP
  • Saturday, Nov 21, 2026, 4:30pm

Screening location: SIFF Film Center – 167 Republican St, Seattle (located within the Seattle Center, just north of Climate Pledge Arena / east of KEXP and The Vera Project)

Free screening in honor of Native American Heritage Month! Seattle theatrical premiere!

REEL INJUN journeys through a century of cinema to set the record straight about Hollywood's depiction of Native Americans. Traveling through the heartland of the U.S., to the Black Hills and Monument Valley, Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond examines how the myth of the movie "Injun" has influenced the world's understanding—and misunderstanding—of Natives. Through clips from hundreds of classic and recent films, it documents the shift from nuanced silent-era heroes to the Western's "noble savage" stereotype, leading up to the burgeoning Native independent scene of SMOKE SIGNALS and THE FAST RUNNER.

Featuring candid interviews with celebrated filmmakers, actors and activists, it is an insightful and essential compendium for understanding the racial politics of Hollywood and the continuing artistic vibrancy of Native peoples.

RSVPs will begin 11/9. More info coming soon!

“Impeccably well researched and crafted, REEL INJUN neatly walks the line between Michael Moore-style personality driven doc and the more traditional talking head, educational style. And appropriately so, because he walks the exact same line in balancing entertainment and education. Reel Injun succeeds magnificently at both.” Todd Brown, ScreenAnarchy