Navajo Night Dances – American Indian Film Gathering

Film Details

Title: Navajo Night Dances
Year: 1957
Duration: 0:11:33
Director: unknown
Writer: unknown
Producer: Walter P. Lewisohn, “In cooperation with the National Council of American Indians”
Narrator: Unnamed male narrator, presumably Navajo
Sponsor: unknown
Audible: Good quality. Songs sung in Navajo throughout the film; some recorded conversation in Navajo
Establishing Shot: Extreme long shot of the Navajo landscape. Mountains and canyons can be seen in the background while a stump of a tree can be seen in the middle ground of the frame. A desert tree can be seen behind the stump on screen right.
Major Themes: The significant role of ceremony and ritual gatherings for the Navajo community
Individuals Named: No named individuals
Native Languages Spoken: Yes, Navajo is sung throughout the film; Some Navajo conversation can be heard in background of overlapping narration;
Noteworthy Elements: The dances in this film are part of the nine-day Mountain Chant Ritual; Feather Dance Ritual; Sacred Fire Dance.
Other: The National Congress of American Indians was established in 1944 to collectively protect the treaty and sovereign rights of American Indian tribes. This organization continues to articulate and advance the goals of Native communities. For more See:

Languages: Navajo