Native actors and filmmakers Visual storytellers

This informative entry in the Native American Trailblazers series profiles 12 Native American and First Nations actors and filmmakers. With Native Americans underrepresented in acting roles and behind the camera, each faced many obstacles but was determined to make a mark. The brief biographies contain career advice and encouraging words for persevering. Included, among others, are actors Irene Bedard (Iñupiat, Yup'ik, Inuit, Cree, Métis), Tantoo Cardinal (Métis, Cree, Dene, Nakota), and Michael Horse (Yaqui); producer-directors Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki) and Christopher Nataanii Cegielski (Diné); and writer-director Ian Skorodin (Choctaw). In addition to their own careers, many also work with Native youth to help make a positive difference in their lives. Most of the profiles contain at least one black-and-white photo of the subject, and back matter includes a list of websites for additional reading, a bibliography, a glossary defining industry terms, and an explanation of film production team duties. Though there are no source notes, and photo captions don't clearly identify individuals, this is a helpful and much-needed resource about Native and Indigenous film-industry professionals.

Gr 6--10--Writer and filmmaker Robinson, who is of Choctaw and Cherokee descent, introduces 12 Native individuals from different Indigenous nations and regions and explores how they started work in front of or behind the camera as actors or filmmakers. The individuals featured include Cherokee writer, director, and editor Randy Redroad; Colville actor, writer, and producer Kimberly Norris Guerrero; Yaqui actor Michael Horse; and Abenaki producer and director Alanis Obomsawin. Through their stories the book captures how the U.S. film industry is finally becoming more diverse; it shows the progress being made that now allows broader access to the industry by these visual storytellers. While the writing is a bit dry at times, the personal stories from the actors and filmmakers are fun and entertaining. Overall, the book provides good insight into their lives and careers in the film industry. VERDICT Suggested for quick snippets into contemporary Native actor and filmmaker lives and jobs.--Danielle Burbank, San Juan Coll., Farmington, NM