NORTHAMPTON — A year before the standoff at Standing Rock over a proposed North Dakota pipeline, resident filmmakers Larry Hott and Diane Garey finished a documentary about the Lakota Sioux.
In light of the recent struggle in which native groups and allies fought to protect their natural resources, local organizers say the film, called “Rising Voices,” is of increased value. That’s why the Northampton Committee to Stop War is showing it Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Forbes Library Community Room.
“This is a good time to know the background of how these people have been abused — way beyond the pipeline — to the core of their culture,” said Carolyn Oppenheim, a member of the committee.
The emmy-award winning movie makers, owners of Florentine Films in Florence, said the documentary features the same people and locations in which native groups are taking their stand.
“It will give them a really good background of the Lakota Sioux, and Standing Rock in specific,” Hott said. “Many of the scenes in the film actually take place along the river that is the bone of contention.”
The film focuses on the Lakota Sioux’s threatened language and the fight to preserve it, along with their culture and land.
“You don’t have to be an anthropologist to look all over the world and see the connection between language and land,” Hott said.
Following the showing of the one-hour documentary, Hott and local activist Paki Wieland will facilitate a conversation about the issues raised.
Wieland just returned from her second trip to North Dakota in recent months. Wieland said she was struck by the native groups’ strength and drive to survive despite centuries of exploitation.
“Now we have an opportunity to really make amends, and maybe end the racism that has been perpetuated,” she said.
Amanda Drane can be contacted at adrane@gazettenet.com.