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American Native

Name: American Native
Released: 2014
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

6.0/10

Good

2014

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

American Native is a documentary that shifts the focus from state-sanctioned definitions of identity to the self-determined ability to act of the Ramapough people. It effectively challenges the authority of governmental institutions by centering a underrepresented ethnic group's struggle for legitimacy. The film excels at disrupting Western historical monopolies. By documenting the fight for rights at sites like Standing Rock, it provides a vital platform for indigenous voices to reclaim their political and cultural standing. While the film is strong in racial and cultural representation, it lacks specific focus on LGBTQ+ or disability narratives. The representation remains centered on the broader sociopolitical struggle of the tribe.

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Category Breakdown

Does American Native have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ character arcs or narratives focused on queer identity.

How does American Native portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers on a community's fight for recognition and provides a platform for diverse voices through expert interviews and community involvement.

How racially and ethnically diverse is American Native?

Excellent

The documentary centers the Ramapough Mountain Indians and their struggle against systemic bureaucratic hurdles. It highlights the ability to act of people of color reclaiming their heritage.

How does American Native represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film examines the struggle for tribal recognition against established state structures. It prioritizes indigenous perspectives over dominant colonial narratives.

Does American Native include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no specific evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

Centers the ability to act of the Ramapough Mountain Indians in their fight for legal recognition.
Challenges systemic bureaucratic hurdles and dominant colonial narratives.
Provides a platform for indigenous perspectives through expert interviews and community involvement.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation or character arcs regarding LGBTQ+ identities.
Provides no visible focus on physical or neurodivergent disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Thirty miles from Manhattan a group of mysterious mountain people fight for recognition as a legitimate Native American tribe from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. What begins as their journey travels the country as Native American’s fight for their rights at Standing Rock, Apache Junction and throughout the United States. Examining through expert interviews and unbridled access to the community, the film provides an in depth look at the complex past, volatile present and endangered future of the Ramapough Mountain Indians and what it truly means to be a “Native American”.

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