Amplifying Native and Indigenous content creators in front of and behind the camera, since 1995.
The nonprofit enterprise Red Nation Celebration Institute along with its partners of inclusion, hosts screenings and events year-round throughout the United States, as well as abroad and online, to celebrate Native and Indigenous independent storytelling, supporting artists in reaching global audiences.
Founded 1995 by Joanelle Romero is the longest standing Native Women-Led, Indigenous media arts cultural pioneer nonprofit enterprise in the Entertainment Industry.
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International Women’s Day
Films Directed by Women
Top 10 Native Indigenous Women Directors To Watch.
Why We Wear Red
Our Mission is a powerful media coalition initiative aimed at raising global awareness about the glaring lack of inclusion of Native Women in Film & Television in all media. This issue is directly intertwined with the devastating epidemic of Missing and Murdered Native and Indigenous Women, Girls, and People.
Only One Water
Our first medicine is the sacred water in our mother’s womb. As a collective body of creatives, we will embark on a journey to share Indigenous knowledge as water protectors and environmental stewards of this land, illustrating how these roles manifest on the big screen to raise global awareness for Mother Earth.
LA’S PREMIER
Native Women In Film Festival 2026
Where Story Becomes Ceremony & Script Becomes Sovereignty
Leading Up To The Academy Award Week
Join us for An Evening With… Eva Thomas as we take a deep dive into her life, artistry, and remarkable career — from the award-winning Nika & Madison to Aberdeen, Seeds, Night Raiders, and Redlights.
A 2025 Red Nation International Film Festival alumna, she received Outstanding Achievement in Directing, Best Picture, and Best Original Screenplay for Nika & Madison. That same year, Seeds was nominated for Best Picture.
Chloé Zhao is an acclaimed writer, director, editor, and producer originally from Beijing. A 2015 Red Nation International Film Festival alumna, she received the RNCI Red Nation Award®️ for Best Picture, Best Director, and Outstanding Actress for her debut feature, Songs My Brothers Taught Me. Her second feature, The Rider, was also recognized by the festival with nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Outstanding Actress—further affirming her singular cinematic voice and her commitment to intimate, character-driven storytelling rooted in authenticity and humanity.
Women in Entertainment, Native and Indigenous women filmmakers and creatives come together to ignite a new narrative.
Benefitting Native Women Write – Scholarship Program and Mentor Program
Women Of Color Decolonizing The Entertainment Industry Films Directed By Women
