Description

Strawbery Banke Museum continues the tradition of honoring Native American Heritage Month with a program on Sunday, November 22 at 2 pm. This year, the museum presents “Weaving Worlds,” a documentary first aired on American Public Television, film about Navajo people and their  centuries-old culture of sheepherding and the production of woven woolen goods, especially the prized Navajo rugs. The hour-long film highlights the untold stories of the personalities and characters involved. Light refreshments served.
 
“The screening of Weaving Worlds is an ideal way to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and Strawbery Banke’s mission in telling the stories of families and craftspeople of this Portsmouth neighborhood,” said Lawrence J. Yerdon, Strawbery Banke president and ceo. “This  film presents a compelling and intimate portrait of families striving, through the art of weaving,  to preserve their culture and livelihood in the face of threats from globalization.”

In its review when the film premiered at the prestigious South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) , the Austin (TX) Film Society said, “In his profoundly thought-provoking documentary “Weaving Worlds,” filmmaker Bennie Klain ushers us out of the stores and into the homes of the weavers, who take us on a fascinating journey into their minds, memories, hearts, and deep cultural roots.”
“Weaving Worlds” has received numerous awards including:  Official Selection of the 2009 Native American Film + Video Festival, NYC; Award of Commendation, American Anthropological Association; Deuxieme Prix Rigoberta Menchu, Montreal First Peoples Festival; Smithsonian Native Cinema Showcase, Santa Fe; and the Platinum Remi Award, WorldFest Houston.
The program is presented thanks to a grant from the Roger R. and Theresa A. Thompson Endowment Fund.
Image: Navajo weaver from the documentary, "Weaving Worlds."