Diamond Island Productions, an LLC
1129 Manzanita Dr. · Pacifica, CA 94044 · 650-738-9105
F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E
March 4, 2002
"ALCATRAZ IS NOT AN ISLAND"
Contacts:
James M. Fortier, Director 650.738.9105 Jon Plutte, Producer - 415-561-3037 x3721
Documentary ready for PBS and community screenings.
With the support of the Independent Television Service (ITVS), director James M. Fortier and producer Jon Plutte have just finished the re-edit of the onehour public television version of Alcatraz Is Not an Island with "Law and Order" star Benjamin Bratt (Quechua) providing voice-over narration. The original, 70-minute version of the documentary previewed in 1999, winning the Best Documentary Feature award at the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco. Alcatraz Is Not An Island was also a Land Grant Award Finalist at the 2001 Taos Talking Pictures Festival, and it was also selected for screening at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival The film will premiere nationwide on PBS in November, 2002. Additional funding was provided by the California Council for the Humanities, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, and the Muscogee Creek Tribe of Oklahoma. The filmmakers are also working with ITVS to develop a community outreach program to bring the film directly to reservation and urban Indian communities, and educational institutions.
Community Outreach Objectives
· Bring the film and it's message of Indian self-determination to rancheria, reservation, and urban Indian communities in California, and ultimately to communities throughout Indian country.
· Tour will feature community screenings followed by a gathering to discuss the issues raised in the film.
· Participants will include the filmmakers, as well as some of the featured occupation participants from the film like Ed Castillo, Denise Quitaquit, Dr. LaNada Boyer, and John Trudell, and guest speakers with expertise in the field of Indian activism, and self-determination issues.
· This outreach program will be available for tribal schools, tribal colleges, American Indian Studies Programs, and tribal organizations wishing to collaborate with us in this endeavor.
· American Indian radio stations and programs can broadcast the community gathering and discussion.
This is an opportunity to educate, to continue a dialogue discussing these issues, to inspire the next generation of Indian leaders, and perhaps most importantly, to honor those who have sacrificed so much and dedicated their lives for the advancement of all Indian people. If you are moved by the message of this film and the goals of the filmmakers, there IS something you can do to help. The filmmakers are
seeking partners from within and outside the American Indian community to collaborate with on this outreach program.
Alcatraz Is Not An Island . . .
For thousands of Native Americas, the infamous Alcatraz is not an island . . . it is an inspiration. After generations of oppression, assimilation, and near genocide, a small group of Native American students and "Urban Indians" began the occupation of Alcatraz Island in November 1969. They were eventually joined by thousands of Native Americans, retaking "Indian land" for the first time since the 1880s. Alcatraz Is Not An Island is the story of how this historic event altered U.S. Government Indian policy and programs, and how it forever changed the way Native Americans viewed themselves, their culture, and their sovereign rights. The story of the occupation of Alcatraz is as complex and rich as the history of Native Americans. This documentary examines the personal sacrifices, tragedies, social battles, and political injustices many Native Americans experienced under the United States Government policies of assimilation, termination, and relocation all eventually leading to Alcatraz. Out of Alcatraz came the "Red Power" movement of the 1970's, which has been called the lost chapter of the Civil Rights era. After 30 years, Alcatraz Is Not An Island provides the first in-depth look at the history, politics, personalities, and cultural reawakening behind this historic event, which sparked a new era of Native American political empowerment, and a cultural renaissance.
Among the many people interviewed for the production of Alcatraz Is Not An Island are occupation leaders John Trudell, Dr. LaNada Boyer and Adam Nordwall, along with several other prominent participants, including Wilma Mankiller, Grace Thorpe, Leonard Garment and Brad Patterson. Associate Producer and Historical Consultant Dr. Troy Johnson, along with Native American author/historian Robert Warrior provide much of the historical commentary in the film. Also included in the documentary is an abundance of historical photos by Michelle Vignes and Ilka Hartmann and archival 16 mm footage much of which has never been seen by the public.
Alcatraz Is Not An Island was Directed by James M. Fortier (Metis-Ojibway), and Produced by Jon Plutte. The Executive Producer was Millie Ketcheshawno (Mvskoke), and the Associate Producer and Historical Consultant was Dr. Troy Johnson. Alcatraz Is Not An Island was edited by Mike Yearling. Writers were James M. Fortier, Jon Plutte, and Mike Yearling with Dr. Troy Johnson and Millie Ketcheshawno. Original music was provided by Jim Wilson (Choctaw), and the documentary is narrated by Benjamin Bratt, with additional voice work provided by Ojibway recording artists Wayquay. The soundtrack also features Native American performers Quilt Man, Koljademo, Douglas Spotted Eagle, Keith Secola, Ulali, and Juno Award (Canadian Grammies) winner Jerry Alfred and the Medicine Beat, among others.