Sky HOPINKA: "maɬni – towards the ocean, towards the shore"
- idzia13200
- Jul 3, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Sky HOPINKA: maɬni – towards the ocean, towards the shore
📍La Grande Halle, Luma Foundation, Arles
▪️ iDzia installation : the sound, the structure
Sky HOPINKA: "maɬni – towards the ocean, towards the shore"
maɬni – towards the ocean, towards the shore is an experimental and poetic documentary by Sky Hopinka, following two young Indigenous people from the Pacific Northwest, Sweetwater Sahme and Jordan Mercier. Through their voices, in both English and Chinuk Wawa, they share their reflections and questions about their American life in relation to their Indigenous identity. The film offers a sensitive exploration of contemporary Native American life, addressing themes of identity, belonging, and cultural memory.
This contemplative and meditative film is structured around a slow and calming rhythm, inspired by the natural elements present in the protagonists' world, especially water. Each image and sound is carefully arranged to convey the deep connection between the characters and nature, while also echoing the Chinook myths about the cycles of life and death. These ancient stories resonate with the daily lives of the young people, highlighting the importance of passing down knowledge and values, as well as the profound bond between humanity and the land.
Sky Hopinka’s work is a visual and auditory meditation, inviting us to reflect on the place of Indigenous culture in the modern world, while questioning the tensions between integration into American society and the preservation of cultural roots. The beauty of the film lies in its ability to capture this reflection in an intimate and poetic way, while honoring the richness and depth of Indigenous heritage.
On July 3rd, 2022, the film was presented at La Grande Halle of the Luma Foundation in Arles, as part of the foundation’s cultural events. This screening was made possible through collaboration with iDzia, who handled the sound and technical structure installation, allowing for full immersion in the film’s visual and auditory world.
July, 03, 2022
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