I enjoyed reading Jason Asenap’s essay regarding the present state of Native filmmaking and production (“The time of the Indigenous critic has arrived,” October 2021). He landed on some critical points, especially concerning the Indigenous filmmakers and artists working in a predominantly and historically white-run business. Those lines are now being blurred. Just as Asenap has written, learning to live with and learn from diverse critics is a useful tool.
And now Indigenous film is at a whole new level. A whole new level of awareness is in the air, too, especially by their peers who have been boldly critiquing the shortcomings of Indigenous film. It is becoming a competition for viewers. Sponsors and ad buyers will follow. But who will get that money?
Dennis J. Dyer
Tecumseh, Oklahoma
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline The time of the Indigenous critic has arrived.
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