Event ramps up activities as it nears the century mark

The 97th annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial promises to have something for everyone.

The Ceremonial is scheduled Aug. 3-12 and features an arts exhibit, night performances, powwow, Gallup Inter-Tribal Queen pageant, tiny tot pageant, rodeo, song and dance, opening night wine tasting, gourd dance, elders contest, vendors, parades, 5K run, awards, and native film series.

Since 1922, the event has highlighted American Indian dances and culture.

Dudley Byerley, director of the Ceremonial, said his cadre of volunteers is in high gear, especially since events start today.

“We’re still collecting sponsorship money, getting payments ready. We’ve got a crew at the park, doing the build up of the park and getting ready to hang banners,” he said.

Aug. 3 is artist check-in day for the Ceremonial arts exhibit, a juried art show featuring the best native artists from across the country.

The Ceremonial 10K and 5K run and walk will be on Aug. 4, starting at 6:30 a.m. at Ellis Tanner Trading Co.

Byerley noted that the Ceremonial is especially proud of Fire Rock Casino’s Aug. 10 gate sponsorship.

“One of the things we have is the free day from Fire Rock Casino on Friday. Fire Rock bought the whole gate for that day. There will be no admission fee, no parking fee,” he said. “It’s a cool deal and I’m really proud of it. Fire Rock really stepped up and helped us out.”

The annual budget of the Ceremonial is $600,000. Byerley said the funds come from multiple sources that sponsor the annual event.

For the 2018 Ceremonial, things will be primarily the same as previous years, the night parade is on Thursday, the standard parade on Saturday, and the crowning of the Gallup Inter-Tribal Queen.

The song and dance will be at a different arena this year on Aug. 11-12.

On Aug. 12, the Old School Days Rodeo is going to have a paid gate courtesy of Thunderbird Supply Co. and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Attendees will have to pay $5 for parking.

Byerley said the rodeo will feature the classic events from more than 50 years ago plus modern rodeo events like the short go round, showcasing the best of the best.

“We’re going to have top cowboys like Aaron Tsinigine, one of the PRCA’s top ropers in the world. He’ll be here with cowboys from Phoenix, Albuquerque, eastern New Mexico and Oklahoma. We’ll have cowboys from everywhere,” he said.

For most spectators, the night performance is the quintessential Ceremonial experience.

This year, the tribal dancers and performers include: Aztec, Pine Mountain Apache, Diamond Creek Apache, Southern Cheyenne, Chickasaw, Comanche, Hopi, Navajo Fire Lighters, Navajo Pollen Trail, Ohkay Owinge, Pima, Sioux, Taos Pueblo, Totonac Voladores, Cellicion Dancers of the Zuni Pueblo, Kallestewa of the Zuni Pueblo, Olla Maidens of the Zuni Pueblo, Maricopa, Omaha, and Northern Cheyenne.

“The Voladores are coming back again on Friday and Saturday night. They’ll also be in the parade. We got the White Buffalo coming back for the night performances,” he said.

The Horse Stealing Dance is a new event this year and Byerley said it is going to be something different from two dance groups.

“We got a really nice horse and he’ll be painted up all Native American. We got a nice Native American lady that’s going to bring him in,” he said.

The official Ceremonial Magazine came in July 30 and is being distributed throughout the area. Pickup a copy for a complete schedule of events or visit:

www.gallupceremonial.com

By Rick Abasta 
Sun Correspondent

Rating: ««« out of ««««

Running Time: 120 minutes

January is often a month for misfit films that, for one reason or another, studios don’t have a lot of confidence in. However, there are always a few exceptions to the rule.

This week sees the release of The Kid Who Would Be King, a children’s film and loose, modern adaptation of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. This unlikely amalgamation of Excalibur and Goosebumps ends up working much better than anticipated. In fact, it can be crowned an enjoyable and entertaining family film.

An impressive animated intro gives a brief history of King Arthur and tells viewers that when civility and honor are replaced in the world by hatred and greed, the legend will return.

Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) is a youngster who spends his days with best friend Bedders (Dean Chaumoo), doing their best at school to avoid the wrath of bullies Lance (Tom Taylor) and Kaye (Rhianna Doris).

When he finds a sword embedded in concrete at a local construction site, Alex soon learns he may have discovered Excalibur. His worries are confirmed when a Young Merlin (Angus Imrie) arrives, who explains that not only is the evil sorceress Morgana (Rebecca Ferguson) ready to take over the world, but that Alex is the only person who can stop her.

Writer/Director Joe Cornish (Attack the Block) knows his way around monsters and comedy and seems quite at ease in establishing the various elements. In fact, the first act is particularly effective. Both Alex and Bedders are extremely likable with good comic timing, often reacting in amusing ways to the oddities occurring around them. It’s quite funny to see the young lead try to stuff his magical sword in his backpack.

There are also some good jokes involving modern and unexpected updated locations for elements of the original legend (like the Round Table itself).

Young Merlin also provides a few laughs, delivering much of the film’s exposition with plenty of energy. A particularly good gag results when the wizard reveals that he needs several buggy and slimy ingredients for spells and to maintain his health, which end up being easily attainable at a local fast-food chain. And the older-looking version of the character (Patrick Stewart) shows up occasionally to deliver a comical line or two.

The screenplay also tries to insert some positive themes into the story, forcing young Alex not to fight, but rather persuade others to follow his lead (an especially difficult task for the put-upon youngster given that he is less-than-popular with schoolmates).

The special effects are also impressive for a small, U.K. production; the undead knights serving Morgana are striking as they ride around on horseback chasing the students.

Admittedly, this film is longer than it needs to be. And although the sinister soldiers do look impressive, the action begins to feel a bit repetitive toward the end of the second act.

Had the budget allowed it, the movie could have used some other supernatural entities entering the fray.

However, things pick up once again during the climax as Morgana and her army attack the lead’s school, requiring all students to put aside their differences and take on an invading force.

While King Arthur adaptations are a dime a dozen, this film presents a unique and appealing twist on the formula.

It is fairly safe to say that The Kid Who Would Be King will thrill most children and likely provide an odd laugh or two for their parents. In the end, it appears that every now and again, January can deliver a little bit of movie magic.

By Glenn Kay

For the Sun

Hannah Manuelito uses photography to share her heritage

Specializing in portrait photography, fine art photography, and fashion photography, Diné photographer Hannah Manuelito uses these topics to inspire and tell others about her Navajo culture.

Manuelito, who is from Ganado, Ariz., graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Photography. Then fresh out of college, she had a stint at a Native American clothing company called “OXDX,” where she was their go-to-photographer and make-up artist. It was here where she became heavily involved with fashion photography, which she says was a great opportunity to push herself creatively.

Recently, as the artist-in-residence at the ART123 gallery, Manuelito works as a freelance photographer during the summer where she takes on side jobs photographing just about anything, including children portraits.

Since childhood, she has been interested in all aspects of arts. Her interest in photography peaked while in high school. When asked what she calls her style of photography, well, she hasn’t given it much thought until recently.

“I would have to describe it as me representing my culture and my family,” she said. “I guess through that I like to show the boldness of it. I like to have a lot of color, and personality whether it’s with a person or an object that I am photographing. I like to get that bold expression from it.”

I cannot do any three-dimensional form of art (laughing) to save my life,” she added. “It’s not my favorite. I can draw and paint, but my heart is just not in it, so I prefer doing photography.”

Manuelito says there’s more to photography than pointing and shooting objects or people. With fine art photography, to goes beyond making something look pretty or good, she explained. It’s really all about making a story, and expressing oneself in a series of photographs.

“It can be something based off your identity or finding yourself, expressing that through your photographs,” she said. “I learn more about my culture through photographing different stories on my uncles, or family that have taught me. I take those stories and try to put them in photographs so that I can better understand the traditional aspects of being Navajo.”

She often hears that photography is not considered a form of art or viewed in that way.

“People don’t understand that it takes a lot of creativity and a lot of work to execute a photograph the way you want it,” she said. “Especially with lighting, if you’re going into a photo shoot and a person wants a specific style, then you need specific lighting or whatever else you need. It takes a whole production, and people don’t realize that until someone shadows me or comes visit, and they see how I work and then they realize that its much more than just clicking a button (laughing).”

Currently, Manuelito is working on a series of photographs which is called “Asdzaan” meaning woman in Navajo. It’s about the matriarchs of her family. It’s about how she views the matriarchs in her family, which she says is inspired by the baroque painting of the Virgin Mary in that style.

“The draping of the robe and fabric is what I kind of did with the women I grew up with and looked up to and were taught by.”

Manuelito says she hopes to inspire the younger generation to pursue art. Growing up, she says she never had a clue on what art meant or how to create her own work. She says even with workshops provided for children, no one tells them it’s okay to be an artist, or even tell them they’re capable of achieving those goals.

“Everyone pushes that you have to be this or go to school,” she said. “That’s all good and everything, but sometimes their heart and mind are just not into it. They just don’t think that way. It’s very hard and it can just crush a child’s thought process, and I just want people to know they can pursue the arts process. I just want to inspire others overall and to have my work really showcase the general beauty of my culture and my family.”

For more information on Hannah Manuelito visit her on Facebook or email: hannahmanuelito@gmail, or www.hannahmanuelitophotography.com

By Dee Velasco
For the Sun

Another busy year at the movies has come to a close, so it’s the perfect time to go over some of this reviewer’s personal favorites. Before composing any hate mail, just remember, these were titles that spoke specifically to me. Everyone’s taste in movies is different (which is what makes it fun to compare and contrast your opinions with others). Anyway, here are my 10 favorite films of 2018.

10. Leave No Trace – One of the best independent films of the year was this unusual tale of a war veteran father and his daughter, who have escaped civilization and retreated into the forests. When the pair’s discovered by authorities, they’re forced into living on the grid, causing great consternation and inner turmoil between the parent and child. This small, subtle and low-key feature benefits tremendously from the excellent lead performers and its unique concept.

9. Isle of Dogs – Those who enjoy the quirky works of Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Grand Budapest Hotel) likely found plenty to chew on with this Japan-set animated tale of dogs being exiled to a far-away island of trash. When a boy arrives hoping to find his lost pooch, it sets off a chain of events that uncovers a government conspiracy. The movie features breathtaking images and production design, some entertaining animal characters, as well as plenty of oddball humor the director is famous for.

8. Paddington 2 – While many may be surprised at the inclusion of this family film on the list, there’s nothing about this sequel that isn’t first rate, from the cinematography, to the settings and the great performances. Between the sweetness and laughs, the first film subtly presented a compelling immigration tale about the trials of an arrival in a new country that just happens to be… well, a talking bear. This one continues the trend with similar asides, providing just as many effective jokes while aptly noting the importance of varied, loving communities that include every kind of person from every walk of life.

7. Green Book – Every year, there’s a sweet little film I can’t help but like, despite the voices in my head telling me it’s a bit too on-the-nose and sentimental (Lion from a couple of years back was one of those flicks). Despite these thoughts, the interactions between the two leads in Green Book are so engaging that the movie works in spite of some of its more obvious tactics. The screen lights up when these two actors are together and their chemistry helps make for a memorable trip.

6. Boy Erased – Based on a true story, this drama follows the son of a preacher who is outed to his pastor father and placed in a conversion therapy program. The movie features exceptional performances from its leads — many of whom incorrectly believe they’re handling the situation in the best way possible. The institute’s techniques and treatment of the kids is truly shocking, resulting in a stirring and disturbing portrait of a real practice.

5. The Favourite – This year’s love-it-or-hate-it film is an 18^th century period costume drama (from the director of The Lobster) depicting a struggle between two women serving under Queen Anne of England. The feature contrasts the wealthy with those in servant roles, displaying all the ugliness in the most powerful estate in the country. The cinematography is wonderful and the performances are phenomenal. This is an odd film that certainly won’t appeal to everyone, but sticks long in the mind after inferring whom the Queen prefers most of all.

4. BlacKkKlansman – Spike Lee’s latest is a bit long and does go on a few tangents, but the title still marks one of the filmmaker’s best works in some time. It’s both extraordinarily tense and surprisingly humorous, following a black recruit to the Denver Police Department who attempts to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan. This movie features a fantastic performance from lead John David Washington and takes straight aim at racism in America, passionately making its points with great effect.

3. The Death of Stalin – This historical comedy takes a sharply satirical approach, creatively depicting the events that followed the death of Russian dictator Joseph Stalin. It focuses on the struggle between members of Stalin’s cabinet for control of the country, with everyone ready and willing to cut each other’s throats to rise to power (the material seems just as timely today as it was back then). It is dark, bleak and hysterical, bolstered by a razor-sharp sense of humor from director and co-writer Armando Iannucci (creator of the HBO series, Veep).

2. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs – The latest from the Coen brothers spins the classic Western on its ear, presenting one of their grimmest and most misanthropic efforts in some time. Thankfully, this Netflix anthology is also hilarious as it presents all of the arduous hardships of the era, including the brutal inhumanity displayed by many of its early settlers. Many of the numerous segments make an impression and the movie boasts great performances, impressive visuals, memorable music and sharp dialogue.

1. 22 July – Some found this effort from Netflix too harrowing and too cold. However, this reviewer was completely stunned by the skill on display. It terrifyingly recreates the events of a 2011 terrorist attack in Norway. Then, it follows the survivors and the ordeal they endure while coming to grips with what happened. There are a million things that could have gone wrong in tackling this subject matter, but every element is handled beautifully and with incredible sensitivity. The film’s message is one of the year’s most potent and powerful.

There were plenty of other excellent titles in 2018. Stan & Ollie was a surprisingly sweet biopic about two comedy greats. The hilarious Game Night marked the year’s best studio comedy and Sorry to Bother You was remarkably surreal and striking.

Of course, the box office hit A Quiet Place did the incredible in making entire audiences sit in theaters in complete silence. Sci-fi fans got an excellent action movie in Upgrade, while Love, Simon delivered plenty of laughs for teens. The goofy animated comedy Teen Titans Go! To the Movies featured the year’s funniest musical number (“Upbeat Inspirational Song About Life”).

And finally, while Roma seems to be getting all the press as the foreign language movie to beat this awards season, the downbeat and stunningly shot Cold War ended up making a more lasting impression with this reviewer.

That’s it for last year. Time to enjoy 2019!

Visit: www.CinemaStance.com

By Glenn Kay
For the Sun