Spirits for Sale 2007
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by Folke Johansson
Directed by Folke Johansson
DVD, color, 58 min.
Jr. High - Adult
American Studies, History, Human Rights, Multicultural Studies, Native American Studies, Storytelling
Date Entered: 01/29/2009
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Associate University Librarian for Technical Services and Scholarly Communication, University of California, Santa BarbaraThis film is a journey of discovery and restoration. While viewing a Native American religious dance ceremony in Denmark, Annika (the protagonist) is given an eagle feather. Not really understanding the symbolism or value of the feather, Annika goes on a quest to America to find the rightful owner of the feather. She visits many Native American communities in Albuquerque, New Mexico; San Antonio, Texas; and Bear Butte, South Dakota. The film interviews a number of Native Americans from various tribal cultures, including Navajo, Cherokee, and Lakota. In the end, Annika restores the feather, which is a sacred object, to a Lakota tribal leader who places it into his ceremonial headdress to be given to future generations. A very moving and interesting documentary of the commercialization and ignorance surrounding Native Americans and their culture. More information is available on the Spirits for Sale website.