Jonathan Thunder: Good Mythology
Sponsored By:
Ely Film Festival's 2024 Opening Night Program is sponsored by Ely Winter Festival. Pick up an Ely Winter Festival brochure to explore the full 10-day schedule of events across town.
We encourage people to arrive 20 minutes early; the EFF24 Opening Ceremony will kick off promptly at 7PM with speakers and songs / prayers from a traditional Anishinaabe drum team, followed by the film screenings and a Q&A with arctic explorer Lonnie Dupre, moderated by Ely Winter Festival.
Synopsis:
Filmmaker Sergio Rapu follows Anishinaabe artist Jonathan Thunder as he dives deep into the inspirations behind his surrealist paintings and animations. From the killing of an iconic American hero to critical perspectives of how indigenous people were portrayed in early children’s cartoons, Thunder’s art prompts viewers to take a critical look at our shared mythologies.
Director Bios:
Sergio is a documentary filmmaker native to Rapa Nui (Easter Island). His award-winning directorial debut, EATING UP EASTER, was screened around the world and broadcast on PBS’s Independent Lens in 2020. In 2021 he produced and edited BRING HER HOME, the latest feature by director Leya Hale (Dakota/Dine) which follows three Indigenous women as they work to vindicate and honor their missing and murdered relatives who are victims in the growing epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Sergio also developed and produced THAT GOT WEIRD, an animated digital series about racism and microaggressions for Twin Cities PBS. As one of the only native Rapanui working in documentary film, he seeks to uplift under-represented voices and create thought-provoking media around environmental conservation.