NEW YORK, NY, November 16, 2022 – AMC Networks and the Red Nation International Film Festival (RNIFF) today announced a partnership to promote Native American stories and storytellers throughout the year with new mentoring and professional development initiatives focused on Native American writers and filmmakers, with an emphasis on women creators. RNIFF will also screen two of the company’s recent titles produced by and starring Indigenous talent at its 27th annual festival taking place this month in Los Angeles – the premiere episode of the hit series Dark Winds, starring Zahn McClarnon, and the IFC Films feature film Catch the Fair One.
Specifically, AMC Networks will partner with the festival on the “Native Women Write” and “Native Indigenous Student Academy for Cinematic Arts” programs, each of which will focus on developing skills and career growth. AMC Networks will provide professional mentorship opportunities to Native and Indigenous women and students and script pitching opportunities, along with sponsoring online and in-person educational sessions.
Started in 1995, RNIFF is the largest Native Indigenous Film Festival in the entertainment industry. Taking place November 1 through 30, this year’s programming includes a hybrid of in-person and virtual events dedicated to increasing the visibility of American Indian and Indigenous storytellers and artists in the entertainment landscape. The partnership with AMC Networks will include sponsorship of major programming tracks as well as the screenings.
“As part of our significant, ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in our industry and specifically our writers’ rooms and on both sides of the camera in our productions, we are laser focused on cultivating strategic partnerships with cutting edge film festivals like American Black Film Festival, ReelAbilities, CineLatino, DC Asian American Film Festival and Red Nation International Film Festival that focus on identifying, developing and amplifying talent from underrepresented and historically excluded communities. Dark Winds and Catch the Fair One are excellent examples of the authenticity and excellence that is possible when this level of involvement is part of the creative process from the beginning,” said Nikki Love, senior vice president of programming for ALLBLK. “AMC Networks is honored to provide hands-on access, education and new mentoring opportunities to members of the RNIFF, an organization that is at the forefront of bringing Native American and Indigenous creators into television and film, and we are thrilled to have two of our titles included in this year’s festival.”
“We are grateful for AMC Networks’ support of this year’s festival, specifically to help create additional opportunities for Native women and students to contribute to the industry at large. We are thrilled to see a network take the lead in ground-breaking partnerships,” said Joanelle Romero, CEO, founder and president of RNIFF. “We can’t wait to see how these candidates apply these teachings to their future film and television careers.”
The premiere episode of Dark Winds, “Monster Slayer”, and IFC Film’s Catch the Fair One will both screen on November 18 at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills. For more information visit https://www.rednationff.com/.
Described as, “Perhaps the most ambitious Native-led TV show ever made,” by The Hollywood Reporter, Dark Winds is a Western thriller 35 years in the making, conceived of and produced by Indigenous talent and starring an Indigenous. It has been a breakout series for AMC Studios, with a 100-point score on Rotten Tomatoes. The highly anticipated second season will premiere in 2023 while season one is available to stream now on AMC+.
Catch the Fair One is a revenge thriller starring Spirit Award nominee and boxing champion Kali Reis that is currently 94% certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. The film from director Josef Kubota Wladyka follows a Native American boxer who embarks on the fight of her life when she goes in search of her missing sister. It is produced by Oscar winner Mollye Asher (Nomadland) and executive produced by Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler). The film premiered in February and is available to stream on AMC+ and other various digital platforms.
About AMC Networks
AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is a global entertainment company known for its popular and critically acclaimed content. Its brands include targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and the anime-focused HIDIVE streaming service, in addition to AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, IFC Films and RLJE Films. AMC Studios, the Company’s in-house studio, production and distribution operation, is behind some of the biggest titles and brands known to a global audience, including The Walking Dead, the Anne Rice catalog and the Agatha Christie library. The Company also operates AMC Networks International, its international programming business, and 25/7 Media, its production services business.
About Red Nation International Film Festival
The Creative Enterprise by Natives delivering to all people the stories that shape our world is the longest-running Native Women-Led Indigenous Media Arts and Cultural non-profit enterprise in the history of the entertainment industry. Representing over 570+ Native Nations, amplifying more than 5000+ Native and Indigenous content creators through its streaming company Red Nation Television Network, supporting 2700+ Native Indigenous filmmakers through its Red Nation International Film Festival, including films directed by women through its Native Women in Film & Television in All Media, since 1995. In the last five years RNCI has screened 130 films directed by women.
RNIFF’s Mission is to break barriers of racism by creating systemic change through media and pop culture in order to eliminate Native American stereotypes. Our Vision for the future of cinema is one in which Native Indigenous perspectives are authentically pictured, recognized, and valued in a way that promotes strong authentic Native identities, economic outcomes, equity, and wellness for our Indigenous communities.