Naturally native is a film directed by Jennifer Wynne Farmer and Valerie Red-Horse. The main theme of the film is identity crisis where three American Indiansisters from Viejas ethnic group of are adopted by a white woman following their mother’s death while giving birth to Tanya. The three sisters are also the main characters namely; Vickie, Karen and Tanya respectively. They all embark on different careers. As the film opens, graduation Celebrations courtesy of Vickie are ongoing in California City since Karen has just completed her MBA degree (Greig, 2003). The party has much fun with Vickie’s husband taping it with a video camera.Lateron, Karen turns down a job offer in Chicago and they all decide to carry out business together. They plan to start a cosmetic company. Meanwhile, they are faced with financial constraint and therefore decide to seek funding from well-wishers. It becomes troublesome to solicit funds from people of a different tribe. Some individuals argue that the sisters are not pure Indians while others suggest that they are too Indian. Other topics discussed by the film concerning the Indians are alcoholism, casinos as well as tribal identity.
In the contextof shot selection in Valerie Red-Horse’s Naturally Native film the opening shot shows adoption papers. The the camera zooms to the folder containing the papers as well as to the black and white photo of a baby held by two girls. It is this shot that helps the viewer to understand the relationship between the adoption papers and the three children that the children have been adopted following the demise of their mother.As the film progresses there are several scenesshowing the bond between a wife and a husband. This is illustrated through medium shots of a couple in bed together, some kissing and hugging has also been revealed in a bath tub, shots of cleavage and upper chest etcetera.The filmalso incorporates its own visual image making and photography regarding indigenous people (Greig, 2003). For instance, the directors are actually doing the filming while posing as the characters of the Indian origin. This is very important as it clearly shows the readiness of the filmmakers to tell their own story while holding their cameras. This also ensures that the filmmakers are in control of the viewers.
In regard to editing, the order of shots is very organized whereby related shots are put next to each other. For instance at the opening scene of the film, there are black and white photographs of two young girls and a baby. The scene that follows moments after shows three female adults who are the main characters of the film (Red Horse et.al, 1999). It therefore dawns on the viewers that the photos actually represents the adult females twenty years back.
The aspect of music in the film Naturally Native, seems very consistent therefore bringing the characters together. Towards the end of the film, God answers prayers for the three sisters and the song Amazing Grace is played on the sound track (Greig, 2003). This song brings relief to the many challenges the Indians face in America as illustrated in the film. Such challenges include having problems securing a business loan or when securing a job at Hollywood, the obstacles they face trying to make ends meet as well as finding romance. Earlier in the film a sound belonging to a man informs the viewers that three girls have been adopted
One interesting thing about this movie the three sister-states categorically that they are Christians without any fear. They also are very prayerful and always put God in control of their lives. Vickie for instance is seen seeking God’s forgiveness at very critical situation. Eventually God answers their prayers and they not only become economically stable but also reunited with their ancestral tribe of Mission Indians (Greig, 2003). An instance that reveals that the sisters are staunch Christians is where it turns out that one of their investor is an occult. The three sisters quickly rebuke him led by Vickie this clearly shows that they do not condone issues that are against the teachings of Christ.
References
Greig, C. (2003). Native America. Broomall, PA: Mason Crest Publishers
Red-Horse, V., Bedard, I., Guerrerro, K. N., Hoffmann, P., Bernsen, C., Abbott, M., Mohl, C. R.-H.,Red-Horse Native Productions. (1999). Naturally native