Traditional Storytelling.
Modern Lens.
Homegrown Future.
A new home for Indigenous cinema in the Northern Plains.
Why Your Story Matters
The Problem
For too long, the narrative of the Northern Plains has been hijacked by outsiders who see the drama but miss the heart. This leads to isolation and a feeling that our voices are invisible in our own town.
The Transformation
Indigenous stories are essential, not supplementary, to understanding who we are as a region. Film is the natural evolution of our ancestral storytelling (from winter counts and ledger art to the big screen) and these stories belong on the land and in the community they come from.
Meet the Directors
Rooted in the Community
Joseph Williams and Anna Johnson aren’t just “organizers.” They are artists, curators, and neighbors who have spent decades walking the walk in Fargo.
Joseph Williams
A media producer and host of the 5 Plain Questions podcast with a master’s in storyboarding and visual effects.
Anna Johnson
A member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and a celebrated muralist whose work defines the Fargo landscape.
Submission Window:
January 1 to March 1, 2026.
Eligibility:
Films must be directed, co-directed, or produced by a Native or Indigenous filmmaker. We prioritize authenticity of voice and contemporary relevance.
Accepted Categories:
- Narrative Features and Shorts
- Documentary Features and Shorts
- Experimental and Hybrid Works
Filmmaker Support:
Selected films receive screening fees or honoraria (as funding allows) and professional networking opportunities.
How to Join the Movement
Submit
Share your work through our submission portal by March 1.
Gather
Join us at the historic Fargo Theatre in downtown Fargo this April.
Connect
Talk directly to creators and realize you are part of a living lineage.
fargo is the spot.
The Experience:
Two days of narrative, documentary, and short films followed by filmmaker Q&As that turn watching into an active conversation.
The Venue:
Experience world-class cinema at the historic Fargo Theatre (a landmark venue in the heart of downtown).
Tickets:
Information on “Grabbing your seat” will be announced soon.
