NAFPS Forum

General => Welcome & News => Topic started by: Freija on April 04, 2007, 05:14:02 pm

Title: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on April 04, 2007, 05:14:02 pm
Some of you already know that I am making a film....and some of you are actually IN the film  ;D...but I just thought I´d make it official in here, since we´re close to having completed it.

We´re making a documentary called Spirits for Sale - because that´s what is happening in Europe and many other places. The message in the film is that Spirits are not for sale. We cover the exploitation of ceremonies and sacred places and we´re also trying to educate non-Natives about how Ndn:s of today live and what issues they/you face. There will be interviews with exploiters and with Ndn:s commenting on the abuse. Since we couldn´t find any fundings, we decided to make the film ourselves. It costs a fortune (still makes me puke thinking of it) but it is done for a good cause. It´ll be okey...somehow... ::)

We filmed in SD last summer and in TX and NM some months ago. Since it is mostly Lakota ceremonies that are being exploited, we focused on letting Lakota Elders and medicine people speak out about the abuse. We are now editing the film and it should open in September, then we´ll try to spread it all over the world. (It will be coming to a cinema near you!!  ;D ;D )

I would like to take this opportunity to officially thank all those wonderful - absolutely wonderful - Native people we have met that have helped us along! Elders/elders, spiritual leaders, medicinepeople, activists, story-tellers, warriors, scholars...WOW! THANK YOU!

I hope it will be a huge success! Once I´ve broken even (If I do  :-\) I will take the profit and go back to all those lovely people that helped us! That is my next dream...to be able to give back....

I also hope this film will start a discussion that spreads like wildfire all over the place, I hope that many followers of frauds will stop and listen. And I hope everyone that is on our side - and there are many of them! - will come forward, having the courage once and for all to say: "This has gone too far, this has to stop!"

Finally - if I hadn´t found NAFPS, this film would never have been made! Thanks to all the great people I have met here who have always supported me, this once so "crazy" dream came true! So a special credit goes to NAFPS!

If you know of filmfestivals or other events over there where we could show our film...give me a shout! Thanks!

Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Diana on April 04, 2007, 10:47:37 pm
Hi Freija, good for you! I'm glad someone is  finally stepping up to the plate and knocking it out of the ballpark. Here is a link to NativeVue http://www.nativevue.org/blog/. They specialize in NativeVue Film & Media and always advertise all the Native film festivals. The person who you need to talk to is Carol. Good luck and keep us all apprised when your movie comes out, I for one will would love to go to the premiere.   
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on April 05, 2007, 09:03:57 am
Thanks, Diana!
I am Swedish, so I am not sure that the Native filmfestivals would admit our film. But no harm in asking, guess there are different rules for different festivals.

We are aiming at having the world premiere at the Nordic Filmfestival in Finland in September. They get thousands of visitors from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. It should be good considering all the abuse over here. Otherwise we´ll just make it a big premiere in Sweden, we´re having one of the Lakota guys in the film coming over to answer questions and explain his view on things.  ;D

Once the film is out, I´ll make a list in here of all the places where it is playing!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: A.R. on April 05, 2007, 01:44:35 pm
No doubt you'll be having good time in your film festival in Finland. 
 
Though I am not a Finn, still, Swedish in Finland, that I know ... have always been treated with politeness and with courteousity, after all a percentage of Finns are Swedes.

But having lived one year in Sweden, (this is many years ago now), I did get a very good "education" about what it is like to live there as a foreigner.    And the Finnish "quest workers" there had fallen into a black hole the depression, alcoholism, domestic violence  .... You know the usual ....
 
Took a ship across from Stockholm to Helsinki on New Years Eve.   At midnight the ship met another ship going the other way.    The ships stopped and were pointing their lights on water, and I thought it was all because of the New Year's celebrations.   A crew member then came to tell me, that somebody had jumped overboard.   He said that nearly every week there was a Finnish suicide, but by that time I only understood it too well, but we didn't talk about those things publicly then ....


Living in Copenhagen, there was this one place where the people from Greenland used to go.    They also had fallen into a black hole of depression, alcoholism .... suicides, violence  .... all that.
 
But what was it now .... I think it was the cause for saving the Guatemalan Mountain people, that was in vogue for the Danes at that time.

You know how these causes that are highly fashionable for a period of time keep on changing, can't really keep track of them.   But I guess we still mustn't talk about the Natives of Greenland.

A.R.

Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Barnaby_McEwan on April 05, 2007, 08:12:33 pm
A. R.: please stop gatecrashing threads.

[Later] I've just read this again. A.R., you're skating on very thin ice. Stop making snide accusations. If you think someone here is a hypocrite that is a very serious charge and requires evidence to back it up. I will not tolerate any further sniping so think very carefully before posting in future.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: educatedindian on April 06, 2007, 01:26:49 pm
These came in from H-Net, academia listservs. The second might be Native only, not sure.

National Geographic's All Roads Film Project Call for Entries

All Roads is seeking submissions for its 2007 All Roads Film
Festival. Categories are narrative features, narrative shorts,
feature documentaries, short documentaries, animation, and music
videos. To submit a film or video visit our website and download an
application.
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=j9aoi5bab.0.xpumk5bab.8fvnpcbab.4822&ts=S0234&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalgeographic.com%2Fallroads%2Fschedules.html]

NAPT 2007 Open Call for Proposals

The postmark deadline for NAPT's 2007 Open Call is July 11, 2007.
We welcome proposals for projects in all stages. Sixty-minute
formats are strongly preferred, but films of any length will be
considered. Review our guidelines and complete the application form
online.
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=j9aoi5bab.0.wpumk5bab.8fvnpcbab.4822&ts=S0234&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nativetelecom.org%2Fprogramfund.pdf]

Questions? Contact Penny Costello at 402-472-0496, or by email
[mailto:pcostello1@unl.edu].


Festival Submission Deadline Is May 15, 2007.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on April 06, 2007, 02:54:18 pm
A. R.: please stop gatecrashing threads.

[Later] I've just read this again. A.R., you're skating on very thin ice. Stop making snide accusations. If you think someone here is a hypocrite that is a very serious charge and requires evidence to back it up. I will not tolerate any further sniping so think very carefully before posting in future.

Thanks, Barnaby! I didn´t ever bother to comment on AR:s post. I hope most people who are against the exploitation will see this film as GOOD NEWS and we do need some good news in here on and off! If someone has the need to kill these good news....then there is a hidden agenda and I´d rather stay out of those discussions. By the way, after a couple of years we will have the film on DVD for anyone to buy - hopefully it could then be used as an educational tool both here and in US.

And THANKS, Al! National Geographic sounds good! I do hope for Sedona Filmfestival! We´ve just GOTTO show it there!  ;D
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: bigAl on April 09, 2007, 10:09:46 pm
This sounds like a very big project.  Will your main focus be on the requests and words of Native people?  Or will this also be an attempt to get the "word out" on specific people that have been identified as frauds.  Perhaps the two mix some?

Thank you.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on April 09, 2007, 10:59:49 pm
Hi BigAl

Yeah, it started off like a small project, the first plan was to interview people in Sweden (mostly because we didn´t have money to do anything else). But the whole project got wings and took us further than we could ever have dreamt of, mainly because of all the wonderful Native people who helped us make this film possible.

The focus in the film is to let Native people say what they want to say. We are in no way naming specific frauds, although we have interviewed a non-Native guy selling ceremonies in Europe and his followers.  We have cross-edited their comments with comments from elders, traditionalists and other Indians. It gets pretty...funny.... ;D  ;D   And, believe me, the Indians get the last word!!  ;D

And there is a story in the film, too, which I quite like. I have been given an eagle feather by a Native man coming to Sweden, but I want to give it back to the people that should take care of it. So we pretend I know nothing about Natives, therefore I go over to US looking for the right person to give it to. The feather takes me to different places and different tribes, where Natives talk about the issues they face and the problems with exploitation and stereotypes. (And I´m only in the film for 2 minutes...refused to have it any other way, this is a film about Ndn issues) So while the feather travels, the viewers learn about Native cultures. Finally I am told to go to South Dakota and see the Lakotas which I do. We cover the exploitation of sacred places in SD, like Bear Butte, where activist get to say what they want to say. (And wow...DO they...haha) The film ends when the feather lands in the hands of Lakota spiritual leader Arvol Looking Horse. By then the viewers have learned a lot about exploitation of ceremonies, sacred places and items - the feather is "home" and it will be a symbol for "Give back to Native Americans what belongs to them!"

It is a very powerful and emotional film with absolutely beautiful footage!! Actually, I cried the first time I saw it and that was just a rough cut!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Enoe on April 10, 2007, 07:59:53 pm
Will it have English subtitles? I don't know if it will be relevant, but you could try submitting; http://www.cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk/
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on April 10, 2007, 08:36:52 pm
Hi Enoe and nice to meet you  ;D   

The film is in English, that was a decision we made since it makes it more attractive worldwide. Even the Europeans in the film speak English.

Thanks a lot for the link!! We won´t have time to enter it this year, I noticed the deadline was last of April. But this film is going to live forever  ;) so maybe next year!

Thanks again!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: steve_w on July 19, 2007, 05:02:32 am
freija

so you swedish huh? good for you. tell me how come you europeans are into indian culture and stuff? i saw this pic once where this guy in germany was living in a tipi and conducting indian ceremonies. lot's of indian frauds over there eh? well you sound like a good person in my book. good luck with you film. what's it called? where can i see it? thank you.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on July 19, 2007, 08:57:33 am
Hi Steve, we will start the distribution of the film this fall, so don´t know yet where it will be screened. (Apart from in a cinema here in Sweden on the 10th October and 13th October - the ticketsale is great!!  ;D )

As for why Europeans are in to NA ceremonies - I think it has been discussed so many times in here.  They find it "exotic", they have bought in to all the lies and fantasies, many are spiritual bankrupt....and lots of other reasons.  :(
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: steve_w on July 20, 2007, 04:17:05 am
freija

i am happy for your film about Indian spirituality. just one quick question. and it is just an opinion.
why did you say that you hope your film spirits for sale would make you break even? sounds like you are exploiting indians just like the rest. how does a european person even justify such a film when it was the eurpean rape and inavasion of north america that decimated millions of indian people? was you film motivated by european guilt of what you did to my people or like you said, a project to fill your own pockets? i have never seen an indian making a film about european religion. just curious is all. thank you.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on July 20, 2007, 08:24:17 am
Steve - or whatever your name is - I realized that I was to expect accusations when I replied to your last question.

I am not getting myself into any arguments about the film, which I´ve also told you before. You are free to think whatever you like to think. Which you will no doubt do. People who have been involved in the film know what I am doing and discrediting the film in here just gives it more and more promotion.

My suggestion is that you make a film of your own instead.... ;)  ;)



Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Johnnie on July 20, 2007, 12:25:57 pm
Freija,

I had some trouble getting on this board, kind of technical difficulties. But I read a lot, like I do on the Indianz board, before I posted.  My suspicion, confirmed by his last post to you, is that SteveW is a plant, trolling to make trouble.

I know an Oglala man who travels the country making ghost shirts.  He is a direct descendent of those who died at WK in 1890 and his family was deeply involved in WK II.  When I first saw his displays, I admit i was disturbed, but I am not Oglala, I have no say in the matter.  But we talked.  He does not make millions, only enough to go in and out of Pine Ridge and take care of his family. right or wrong, he believes what he does is therapy.

That is how I look at what you do.  Therapy.  Therapy for those overseas who would exploit Native religions.  And therapy for us who are concerned.

SteveW did not see the posts you made about giving the profits back to those who helped with the film, or he chose not to see that.  Or worse, he saw it and ignored it in order to try to pick off a few people from this board.  Cause his real intent is not as says, to "come and learn" but to come and discredit.

I believe in what you are doing.  I use these kinds of films in my classes.  And when the opportunity comes, I would use your film. 

And SteveW, the reason why Indians have not done films about European religion?  Throw away line, cause what exactly is European religion?  Do you know?  Do you mean Roman Catholicism?  Do you mean Lutheran? 

I know a lot of Native film makers and actors.  And they have such a hard time with funding their artistic enterprises.   In short, your concern is not with Native filmmakers, it is not even with Freija and her film.  Your concern is discrediting the people on this board.

Tell me I am wrong.

Johnnie
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: educatedindian on July 20, 2007, 01:53:55 pm
Johnnie, Annika, and anyone else.

Steve is obviously either Lekay or his ally. All replies to him should be in the thread "Steve's Sidetrack." He won't be allowed to comment anywhere else til he comes clean about who he is.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: frederica on July 20, 2007, 04:40:19 pm
Agree, I think that was evident when he asked such a question about Paula Horne. frederica
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: earthw7 on August 16, 2007, 04:46:14 pm
Hi Annika, i finally got on to the site.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Laurel on August 16, 2007, 06:11:22 pm
I'd really like to see this--and teach it to my classes when/if a DVD becomes available.

Laurel
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on August 20, 2007, 09:04:41 am
Hi Annika, i finally got on to the site.


Heeeej!!!

So nice to see you here, LaDonna! I am travelling a lot right now, so I don´t have much time to pop in here. But I will try to keep up with the news and again, great to have you onboard!





Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on August 26, 2007, 05:33:20 pm
Our website is up! Finally!  www.spiritsforsale.com

See the 3 minutes trailer

We will add some more pages, more photos and a blog. There will also be information about where the film will be screened. I have showed the film to some small groups and wow....what a reaction! People cried, some of them were in shock (especially the ones thinking all Ndn:s live in tipis and look like Disney-Pocahonta), some vowed they would do anything to help stop the exploitation.

Peeewh, can´t believe we finally reached the goal - it was a bumpy road, but it was worth it!!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: ironbuffalo on August 26, 2007, 06:47:34 pm


   This is a film that definitely should be shown in my area. Are there any future plans to make it available on DVD?
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on August 26, 2007, 07:36:25 pm
It will definitely be available on DVD eventually but it might take a couple of years. When you start selling it on DVD, it will be up on the Internet before you know it....and then noone will pay to see it. And we´ve gotto try to get our money back. At least some of it....

We will start with filmfestivals and TV Channels all over the world. Let the world get something to speak about! LOL

I will keep you all updated on where and when it´ll be screened and also when it will be available on DVD.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Barnaby_McEwan on August 27, 2007, 09:49:14 pm
This is very exciting! You've all worked so hard, and now I'm sure your effort and commitment will bear fruit.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on August 28, 2007, 07:42:52 am
Thank you SO much, Barnaby. Yeah, it´ll be worth all the struggle, I am sure. Can´t wait until it goes up on the big screens here in October. The tickets are almost sold out. Yesterday we had an email from a filmfestival in Florida asking us to enter the film.... :)

We made a new poster for our organisation. I really like that photo from the film with me handing over the feather....it symbolizes so many things...

www.world-foundation.nu/fjaderSFS.jpg

Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Ric_Richardson on August 28, 2007, 03:48:20 pm
Tansi;

Have you entered your film in the Toronto film festival, which is going to be held, shortly?

Ric
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on August 28, 2007, 04:41:47 pm
Tansi;

Have you entered your film in the Toronto film festival, which is going to be held, shortly?

Ric

Hej Ric - yes, as far as I know the film is entered for the Toronto festival. (It´s the production company dealing with this....that´s why I am not 100% sure.) So keep your fingers crossed pleaseeeeee....
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on September 05, 2007, 09:16:05 pm
THE WORLD DEBUT will be in South Dakota! And what could have been more appropriate?! It´s a lovely coincidence because we didn´t plan it, we just sent it out to loads of filmfestivals.

It´ll be screened at the South Dakota Filmfestival in Aberdeen in the evening of 22nd September. We would sure appreciate Natives being there to answer any questions, so if you´re close by, maybe you could make your way there?
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Defend the Sacred on September 05, 2007, 09:51:30 pm
THE WORLD DEBUT will be in South Dakota! And what could have been more appropriate?! It´s a lovely coincidence because we didn´t plan it, we just sent it out to loads of filmfestivals.

It´ll be screened at the South Dakota Filmfestival in Aberdeen in the evening of 22nd September. We would sure appreciate Natives being there to answer any questions, so if you´re close by, maybe you could make your way there?

Great news!  Best wishes for a great premiere!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: angelo on September 09, 2007, 10:20:57 am
hi
its amazing that one as known as a fraud is participate on this .
his name is mike chirobokow he get send away from the blackfoottribe because
he gatherd money for the tribe and used for himself .then he set up a sweat in germany without any permission ,then he dissapeard to u.k.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Barnaby_McEwan on September 09, 2007, 11:22:42 am
I'm going to jump in here quickly before people use this as an excuse to rubbish the film. I think it's likely that Chirobokow is featured for precisely the reasons you mentioned, Angelo, as an example of the kind of activities which hurt Indian communities. I'm sure Annika or other people who worked on the film will correct me if I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on September 09, 2007, 02:09:02 pm
I can only confirm 100% what Barnaby just said.

We wanted to be fair and let people from "both sides" speak up in the film.
Mike runs a sweat and talks about the way he sees things. Native people in the film get to comment on what he says and does.

Angelo, maybe you can watch the trailer on our website www.spiritsforsale.com ? It´s under the link "film".
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: angelo on September 09, 2007, 09:27:50 pm
hi i watched the movie and i hear whath this mike sad .but he is charching money for sweats
and he got striped his pipe from the blackfoot people the bloods .
so he is still a fraud .hes words are just words.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on September 10, 2007, 10:34:55 am
hi i watched the movie and i hear whath this mike sad .but he is charching money for sweats
and he got striped his pipe from the blackfoot people the bloods .
so he is still a fraud .hes words are just words.

....I don´t think there will be any doubt once you´ve seen the film, what Native people think. We preferred to let them express their opinions themselves. Remember that loads of viewers won´t have a clue about Native Americans and the ongoing exploitation. So you´ve got to see both sides to really understand the problem, it makes the film much more powerful in my eyes.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: angelo on September 14, 2007, 11:14:50 am
i dont wanna rubbish the film.
i understand what u are saying about .so sorry for my comments,it was a missunderstanding
from my side
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on September 28, 2007, 07:24:45 pm
Just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us in our efforts to get the film "Spirits for Sale" up on the screens. The fact that it won "Best International Film" of South Dakota Filmfestival was incredible to us. It has been such a bumpy road since we started two years ago...so many setbacks...but I have always believed in this film and we finally reached our goal.

What makes me most happy is that this film, being so critical to the exploitation of Native sacred ceremonies and places, including Natives speaking openly about the massacres, broken promises and much more,  was awarded at a non-Native festival. It means so much to me and it must be a good sign!!

Again, thank you to all the Natives who supported us and made this come true!
Sometimes words are not enough......
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: SkallePer on October 09, 2007, 03:12:13 pm
Hej Annika and everyone else!
I am going to se Spirits for sale tomorrow! I live 50 km from Stockholm and am really lokking forward to seeing this movie. In the evening Arvol Looking Horse is giving a speach at the Ethnological museum in Stockholm.

I am new to NAFPS, allthough I registered in 2005 but have not written or read much since then. Soon I will write a short presentation of me and myself.

Be well,
SkallePer
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: KiowaKat on October 09, 2007, 11:48:20 pm
Freija
 CONGRATS!! WOW this is what I've been wanting to see happen... something that explains to the general public, so they can indentify between the two...we need it so bad here in Missouri to educate the public!!.....did you guys include arts and crafts by chance?? lol...
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: SkallePer on October 10, 2007, 11:14:50 pm
Hello!

I am now home after a very interesting day. Saw 'Spirits for Sale' this afternoon and then in the evening a talk with Chief Arvol Looking Horse and Paula (I am sorry I did not catch her last name). I have many thoughts and perhaps more questions than before which is a good sighn.

Perhaps i will write of these but at a later date since i have to get up early to give a lecture on my own tradition, the Old Norse path or Asatru to a high school class.

Spirit's blessings,

Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Kantuta on November 18, 2007, 06:47:43 pm
It would be great to see the film Annika, I'm so looking forward to it!

Is it released on DVD? Where can I buy it?
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on November 19, 2007, 03:39:48 pm
Hey there :)

We´re not releasing the film on DVD just yet....it´ll end up on the Internet before you know it.  It seems to be difficult to spread it in Europe - much easier in USA! The reply we´ve had from TV-Channels in Scandinavia is "Sorry, this type of film does not fit in!"  Fit in to what??! They show documentaries from every corner of the world.

My guess is that Europe doesn´t want to let people know that Indians are "ordinary people" who have a voice of their own. It might ruin the sale of dreamcatchers and sweatlodges and everything in between....

Maybe you could ask the Samiis up there in Norway, Kantuta? The Swedish Samiis have invited me up there for the Samii week together with one of the Ndn guys from the film. They want to start a discussion about how THEIR culture is being appropriated, too. So that´s great!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Kantuta on November 19, 2007, 06:48:54 pm
The exploitation of the Sami culture is terrible in Finland, but mostly concerning the art, handicraft and yoiking. Finnish people dress up in fake Sami costumes and pretend to yoik for tourists. It's ridiculous.

I will se what I can do, there are three indigenous film festivals up here, I'll ask them!  :)
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: educatedindian on November 24, 2007, 03:23:48 am
I received the film just today and finished seeing it only minutes
ago. My thanks to you both for a very good film that I think will
affect anyone who sees it. It's every bit as good as On Sacred
Ground.

So many of the speakers in the film are very powerful and eloquent
and I'm proud to be both in the film and alongside them.

I'll be searching for museums and university groups to show the film
to and hopefully use it to raise a little bit for charity.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on November 24, 2007, 09:01:51 am
So glad you liked it, Al!  I am very relieved and glad that the Native people who have been involved in the film have been so appreciative of it. I heard that Arvol brings it with him on his travels and shows it just about everywhere....

Good luck, Al, with showing the film. Let us know how it goes.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on December 28, 2007, 09:57:57 am
Thanks to Kantuta - who is a member of this board - our film will be shown at the Sami Filmfestival in Norway in April.

It makes me happy that our own indigenous peoples find the film such a useful tool. Exploiting Native cultures is unfortunately a problem occuring all over the world and this kind of film can hopefully start discussions about the abuse.

Thank you so much again for all your help, Kantuta. I will phone your other contacts once the holidays are over.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on February 14, 2008, 09:57:49 pm

The local TV-channel in my hometown made an interview with me yesterday where I got to speak freely (which I DID....LOL) and they will show that interview together with footage from the film during several occasions next week.

We are slowly getting there :=)
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: educatedindian on February 15, 2008, 03:13:20 am
This is great news, badly needed after that ugly film that came out. In about a wekk I should know when the museum here in San Antonio will want to play film too, probably in the summer.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Defend the Sacred on February 15, 2008, 03:19:43 am
Excellent! Congratulations!

Any hope of airing here in the US? Maybe on a channel like PBS, Discovery or National Geographic? Or maybe Link TV http://www.linktv.org/ , which reaches a smaller audience but is politically progressive (as far as I can tell). With the writers strike here, documentaries are being aired a lot more than usual.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on February 15, 2008, 01:05:42 pm
Kathryn, it is terribly difficult to get the TV channels interested. There are so many films made.....

But if any of you would like to get me addresses, preferably some contacts to write to (or, as always, the DVD will just "disappear" somewhere....) I will sure give it a try.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: debbieredbear on February 15, 2008, 05:14:44 pm
Annika,
It's not tv, but how about the Seattle International Film Festival?

http://www.seattlefilm.org/news/detail.aspx?NID=130&year=2008

Also, on Public Broadcasting TV, there are some venues there that might air the film. I will see what I can find out.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on February 15, 2008, 08:01:33 pm
Unfortunately it is too late for entries to the Seattle Inetrnational Film Festival.
Maybe next year.

Thanks for your help, Debbie!!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on February 26, 2008, 06:49:40 pm
Next showings:

2nd March & 8th March at Cinema Abelli in Umeå, Sweden. Hosted by the Samiis.
I´ll be going up there, really looking forward to it!

7th March, Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, Kansas is hosting their 4th Annual Film Festival
Spirits for Sale will be screened at 7 pm
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: earthw7 on February 26, 2008, 11:37:28 pm
Good I will have my sister attend she lives there
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on March 03, 2008, 07:35:11 pm
Just returned from up north, from the opening of the Samii week - a whole week of Samii culture, activities, presentations, films - for non-Samiis to learn more about our indigenous people. I had been invited up there to show the film. We had hoped for someone from the film to be able to attend, too, but unfortunately it didn´t work out, so I was asked to say something at the opening ceremony. It was a great "promotion" of the film since media was there !  (I quoted some words from Arvol,  I felt it would be better that a Lakota voice was "heard")

A lot of people came to see the film, both Samiis and non-Samiis. And the questions afterwards were good - apart from some guy (non-Samii) (of course) who got mad at Alex White Plume who talks about the massacre at Wounded Knee. He threw a fit, told me off for Alex´s comments (huh??) and stomped out. LOL.

It turned out that this city I went to was one of the "centres" for Rainbow Eagle and some of his followers were in the audience. One of them loved the film, said "I knew something was wrong!!" and bought the DVD to show to the other followers!! Funny!

The Samii Council and the Samii organisations also bought the film, it will be used as an educational film around the Samii communities. They will do everything they can to spread it all over the northern part of Sweden, hopefully Norway, too.

Oh, up till now three guys from Deer Tribe have talked to me to tell me they have left. What is happening over here is that people see the film, read the books, words are being spread around and I think all of those guys who knew it was wrong finally got the guts to speak out since they can "hide" behind the film and the books. It is like a new "movement" over here, geeeeez, it feels sooooo good!

Just giving you some good news on and off. We need it :)
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Barnaby_McEwan on March 03, 2008, 09:39:59 pm
Yep, we do! It must be particularly satisfying for you when the film gets people to wake up.

What are people up there saying about Historiens fångar (http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1523.0)?
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Defend the Sacred on March 03, 2008, 11:44:03 pm
and bought the DVD to show to the other followers!! Funny!

Is the DVD now available?
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on March 04, 2008, 08:22:40 pm
and bought the DVD to show to the other followers!! Funny!

Is the DVD now available?

We´ve sold it to some organisations - but we will release it for anyone to buy in about a month.
Will let you all know as soon as it is available!

A local  TV channel made a teaser, just five minutes, showing footage from the film and asking me about exploitation. It has been on during two weeks, just noticed it was scheduled for next week, too, and now even in the Stockholm region (our capital) It is being aired every day, three times a day....over and over and over again!
Haha...pretty funny....
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on March 14, 2008, 11:33:00 pm
More showings:

Sami Filmfestival in Kautokeino, Norway
The film is screened Monday 17th March

Uddevalla Muséum, Sweden
5th April

Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, USA
Medicine man/Spiritual advisor symposium 10 - 12 April
10th April 1.30 - 3.30, presentation by Arvol Looking Horse

Anyone who wants more info, please contact me.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on March 14, 2008, 11:42:29 pm
More showings:

Sami Filmfestival in Kautokeino, Norway
The film is screened Tuesday 18th March

Uddevalla Muséum, Sweden
5th April

Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, USA
Medicine man/Spiritual advisor symposium 10 - 12 April
10th April 1.30 - 3.30, presentation by Arvol Looking Horse

Anyone who wants more info, please contact me.


Just had to add this link, it´s from the Sami Filmfestival where they have an outdoor cinema - you can come with snowscooters and reindeer sleighs.

Isn´t it beautiful?

http://www.samifilmfestival.no/page.jsp?id=16&mid=24
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Jill on March 29, 2008, 04:05:37 pm
I would be interested in the DVD when it is available in Britain.

Cheers, Jill
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on March 29, 2008, 05:21:03 pm
It is available, check your PM:s Jill

Annika
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on March 30, 2008, 07:24:46 pm
Nice to see our film getting some promotion over in US.
The lady who wrote this interviewed me on MSN. Thanks Carole!
And thanks, Ingeborg, who found this....I had almost forgotten about it.
(I DO like the ending....LOL)


http://www.nativevue.org/blog/?p=804


Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: eagle helps him on April 14, 2008, 08:22:06 pm
For your info, an inaugural Multicultural festival will be held on Australia's Gold Coast in November 2008. It will include a Multicultural Film Festival, as well as dance, song and displays from many different cultures.

http://www.goldcoastmulticulturalfestival.org

There is, unfortunately, far too much fraud in Australia, conducted by Native Americans, and non-natives.

Maybe screening your film would help to educate people about what goes on. This education is greatly needed!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on April 14, 2008, 08:33:01 pm
Thank you so much for this information!
It sure seems interesting and we´ll keep our eyes open for admission dates for the filmfestival.

Thanks again!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on April 16, 2008, 09:48:29 pm
I am very happy to say that the McNay Museum in San Antonio, Texas, finally has decided to purchase the film. It will be screened for visitors and it will be available at Teachers Resource Center, so that teachers can borrow it.
All this has been made possible by Al, who has made a fantastic job!! Thanks so much, Al. Keep us updated on how it goes and if you and Gayle get the opportunity to present the film! It would have been great.

On another note: the review by Carole Levine - http://www.scene4.com/html/thisissue.html - got the following comment:

http://www.scene4.com/readersblog/2008/04/spirits_for_sale.html

This woman is kind enough to inform us that Sweden and Denmark are two completly different countries.
Didn´t q-u-i-t-e understand that comment.....   LOL
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: educatedindian on April 17, 2008, 12:57:52 am
I should add that the McNay is very enthusiastic about the film. They're talking about hiring not just me, but also Gayle and Andrew, to work with them on other projects as well. Not sure yet whether it'll be me or Gayle who winds up at the screening. I'll keep everyone informed.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: PaxMan on April 19, 2008, 02:46:06 pm
I can hardly wait to view then purchase this important film! Please submit it to all the film festivals, especially Sundance - they have a specific Native American venue!
I am a little taken aback by the quote you used on the promo:

???First they killed our people. Then they took our land. Now they steal our faith.???

Faith is something which can never be stolen, short of mind-control techniques used on the mind of the person who has that faith. Sure, the acoutrements, the outward expressions of religion, spirituality, culture can and have been stolen, misinpterpretted, auctioned to the highest (nonNative) bidder - but stealing 'faith' - that is as unlikely as stealing 'spirit' and, perhaps I am naiive, but I was taught to believe that no matter what anyone is doing, or has done to you, you are the only person who can keep your faith intact, and you are the only person who can allow it to slip away.

Perhaps I am missing something. Perhaps it is semantics. Regardless, congratulations on your film and I so look forward to sharing it with others. Thank you for 'keeping the faith' as I am sure it was challenged as you accomplished your goal.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on April 19, 2008, 08:53:15 pm
I understand what you mean, PaxMan. Our producer quoted a comment by a Native guy (unfortunately we lost his name....). I didn´t mind - if nothing else, we would probably get some good discussions about it, I thought. At least one New Ager got really mad and said: "You cannot write things like that, someone could get angry!" (Since he sold ceremonies himself, I wonder who this "someone" was....LOL)

The DVD will be ready very soooooon, hopefully next week. Sorry it is taking some time but we are adding quite a lot of bonus material , so the DVD contains more than two hours footage right now. We have a pow wow scene, a drumgroup, the whole interview with Arvol, more from Al - including a great tattoo scene which we just couldn´t fit in, but it is now back! - and some Dinéh flutemusic. AND 45 minutes from the Gathering of Nations at Bear Butte 2006 with speakers like Oliver Red Cloud and Alex White Plume.

Will let you know as soon as we release it!



Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Defend the Sacred on April 20, 2008, 02:40:04 am
I am a little taken aback by the quote you used on the promo:

???First they killed our people. Then they took our land. Now they steal our faith.???

Faith is something which can never be stolen...  Perhaps it is semantics.

"Faith" can be used not only for "personal faith in something" but also as a synonym for "Religion".

For another voice on how it affects people, what it does to your emotions and spirit to have outsiders steal your cultural ceremonies, have a listen to what this guy has to say about it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEChaNnvaWc
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on May 14, 2008, 02:02:04 pm
I am glad to inform you that "Spirits for Sale" finally is out on DVD for anyone to buy. More info:

http://web.mac.com/spiritsforsale/iWeb/Webbplats%202/Buy%20Spirits%20for%20Sale.html

Please note that buyers in US have to contact our agent, Filmakers Library in New York. There is a special consumers price, so if it´s just for personal use, don´t forget to inform them.

Also, the film will be screened at "The Indigenous International Film Festival" in Kathmandu, Nepal (!)
The festival is held 5th - 8th June. The criteria for selection is

* Indigenous participation in production processes
* Recovery of cultural expression that is endangered or being assimilated
* The way the work reflects indigenous people’s right to freedom and self-determination, as well as notions of “development??? from the indigenous perspective.

So we´re very happy that our film was chosen among many entries! (Wish I could go to Nepal...LOL)



Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: apukjij on May 14, 2008, 03:47:40 pm
im happy the film is availible!!!!! yay!! but dang its over half my welfare check to buy it!!! i dont mind waiting to it gets on tv, its exciting! well done!!!!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on May 15, 2008, 09:03:36 am
Thank you so much, Apukjij! Filmakers Library will help us to get in contact with TV-channels in US.

It´s kind of funny....we made a film to educate Europeans, but the big interest in the film comes from the US. I don´t know...maybe this film is still too "controversial" for Europe. There are so many people who would like to stay in the cosy world of "cartoon-or New Age Indians".

Oh well, the same old exploiters are still finding their way to Sweden, but the awareness over here is much, much bigger now. I hear that people nowadays stand up against the exploiters and often inform their followers. When you have something behind you, like a film and books, it is much easier to get courage enough to do it. :)
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Defend the Sacred on August 26, 2008, 06:15:06 am
Here's the link for us in the US: http://www.filmakers.com/index.php?a=filmDetail&filmID=1551

Expensive for personal use, but maybe we can get libraries and universities to order copies. And I'm also thinking PBS, Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, The Learning Channel...

Oh, and Worldlink. Worldlink is really good.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on August 26, 2008, 07:16:56 am
Filmakers Library has a consumer price, too. Much, much cheaper.
They don´t advertise  it, but just inform then when and if you contact them that it is for private use and they will quote you the cheaper price.

I am also glad to inform you that we signed a new contract this week, with Journeyman Pictures in London, UK.   http://www.journeyman.tv   They are one of the biggest distributers in Europe (actually in the world) and they loved the film. Which is nice to hear from experts (LOL)  Journeyman will promote and sell it all over the world for us and it will eventually be on their website.

Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Prairie Fairy on August 26, 2008, 07:21:36 am
Hello Freija.

 It is true it is really bad here. We need this film.

I don't know if you tried the Dutch TV networks. Maybe you could try the VPRO in the Netherlands:
http://www.vpro.nl/ 
They like to profile themselves as progressives and I have seen a lot of good documentaries there about various world issues.

You may also try your luck with the EO, the Dutch evangelical network.
http://www.eo.nl/algemeen/homepage/page/-/home.esp

I hope you can find at least some inroad into Europe. There is some anti racist activism here but it is not too visible. This coming weekend there is a demonstration against the use of Black Pete, the slave clown to Saint Nicholas. It's in conjunction with an art exhibit. You never know, you could have some success there. Here is a link to the gallery.
http://www.vanabbemuseum.nl/ One of the artists is Petra Bauer who lives in Stockholm.

You know, now that I think about it, the perspective your film represents could be really helpful to the stubborn locking of horns that happens here around issues of racism. People have been riled up by Pim Fortuyn to think their culture is being threatened by elite anti racist tendencies. This doc shows that true anti racist struggle is also about preserving identity in a genuine way. Seeing your doc could help folks get a more worldwide perspective. There are a lot of hurt souls walking around here who haven't even got a clue that they are causing their own pain by continuing the arrogant behavior they have had passed down to them.
(Who knows, people might actually start talking about the history of Dutch colonialism without losing themselves. Now that would be realistic.)
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Defend the Sacred on August 26, 2008, 07:43:13 pm
Filmakers Library has a consumer price, too. Much, much cheaper.
They don´t advertise  it, but just inform then when and if you contact them that it is for private use and they will quote you the cheaper price.

Excellent. My family took a bad financial hit recently, but maybe when we've recovered from that I can get a copy. I know so many people who want to see this, and get this type of information out there.

And I know of even more people who don't know they need to see this, but we'll get it to 'em somehow ;-)

Congrats on the distribution deal!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Prairie Fairy on August 28, 2008, 04:55:01 pm
I have another link for trying. The Etty Hillesum Centrum here in Deventer is dedicated to understanding between the world's cultures. Etty Hillesum was a holocaust diarist somewhat less well known than Anne Frank.

http://www.ettyhillesumcentrum.nl/

Sorry I did not read more closely...
Congrats on the deal. I'm feeling joy about it.

Ainslie
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on August 29, 2008, 08:06:09 am
Thanks, Kathryn! I hope you´ll get to see it. And yes, I too know lots of people who don´t know they need too see it. But many people over here have bought it thinking it is some kind of romantic New Age film. LOL

And Praririe Fairy, we´ve done our best to promote it to European Tv Channels to no avail. Some of them asked if we had the film dubbed to German or French or something. Of course we haven´t. (I think I would have a problem with Arvol and Al speaking German....hehe). It´s only subtitled in Swedish. But now, when Journeyman Pictures are taking over, I think we´ll stand a much better chance. So we will wait and see.

Will let you know what happens :)
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Prairie Fairy on August 29, 2008, 11:56:18 am

And Praririe Fairy, we´ve done our best to promote it to European Tv Channels to no avail.

That makes me mad. I like the VPRO.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: shining_path on September 26, 2008, 07:21:27 pm
WHAT KIND OF FILM IS SPIRITS FOR SALE? HOW CAN I GET MY HANDS ON A COPY?
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: frederica on September 26, 2008, 07:36:45 pm
This site give you a brief  description of what it is about.  http://www.nativevue.org/blog?p=804
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on September 27, 2008, 06:44:10 am
WHAT KIND OF FILM IS SPIRITS FOR SALE? HOW CAN I GET MY HANDS ON A COPY?

Hej Shining_path (and thanks for the link, Frederica)

If you´re in US or Canada, you can get a copy by contacting Filmakers Library NYC. http://www.filmakers.com
Just be sure to let them know that you want the consumers price.
If you´re in another country we can send you a copy. Contact us on http://www.spiritsforsale.com

We have some big filmfestivals in Sweden coming up this month. My DEAR Sami friends are doing all they can to promote the film, they have been absolutely great!! Also, some universities here have bought it for educational purposes. It takes TIME to change people´s minds but we are slowly getting there....just got to be patient! LOL
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Sparks on July 08, 2014, 11:11:38 pm
Where can I purchase a consumer edition of this DVD?

At the present time I found only this version, at $295, on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Spirits-For-Sale-Educational-Performance/dp/1463109423/
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Freija on July 09, 2014, 06:31:15 am
Where can I purchase a consumer edition of this DVD?

At the present time I found only this version, at $295, on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Spirits-For-Sale-Educational-Performance/dp/1463109423/

Send me an email and we´ll fix it for you. (And anyone else wanting to buy the film)  ;)

annika@banfield.se   

Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Sparks on June 18, 2016, 03:25:48 am
I want to update the information about this important film. First I want to thank Freija/Annika for the complementary copy she sent me some two years ago! (See the foregoing post.) I have written about the film in forums and Facebook groups, and now I have been told that many links for purchasing the film are broken. So I checked all the links in this thread, and many are gone, e.g. this one:

Our website is up! Finally!  www.spiritsforsale.com

This (redirected) link is still open, but with prohibitive pricing: https://www.academicvideostore.com/video/spirits-sale

The most interesting place for the film I found via the link in this quote:

I am also glad to inform you that we signed a new contract this week, with Journeyman Pictures in London, UK.   http://www.journeyman.tv   They are one of the biggest distributers in Europe (actually in the world) and they loved the film. Which is nice to hear from experts (LOL)  Journeyman will promote and sell it all over the world for us and it will eventually be on their website.

Here the film may be watched online (for free), and purchased (for download or as a DVD) at approx. $12 and $30, respectively. There are also expensive screening licenses, which I don't quote:

https://www.journeyman.tv/film/4145/spirits-for-sale
Quote
Instant Download (58mins) - €10.49 — For private home use only
DVD (58mins) - €28.38 — Send a physical DVD copy
Please note: This download is for private home use only. To screen this outside your home just get a screening licence here …

There is also a synopsis (abstract): https://www.journeyman.tv/film/4145/spirits-for-sale#synopsis

Even a transcript of what is said in the film: https://www.journeyman.tv/film_documents/4145/transcript/
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Sparks on July 05, 2016, 11:55:29 am
Here's a fine recommendation of the movie, posted in another thread this year (excerpt; my emphasis):

Hi!  I stumbled across this forum while trying to gather some information on the fraudster, Mike Chirobokow, a Canadian white guy with aspirations to be First Nations  :P .  I'm a professor at Centennial College in Toronto, Canada.  There's a range of courses that I teach, and two happen to pertain to Indigenous peoples.  While reviewing materials to use in one of the courses, I came across the video, "Spirits for Sale", and this Chirobokow guy was being interviewed by the producer at the beginning of the film.  His fraudulent activities pretty much lay the foundation for the rest of the documentary, which looks at the appropriation of Indigenous land, culture, ways of life and spirituality.   He was selling sweat lodge "experiences" for about $100 Canadian to Danish people looking for an Aboriginal experience.  :P  Needless to say, it's disturbing, but googling him brought me here, and I thought I'd sign up to learn and share.  So, thanks for letting me in!
[…]
Oh, and it's a god documentary, that the students can definitely benefit from. Cheers!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Sparks on May 07, 2017, 05:46:11 am
Update about change of Internet site, etc:

Quote from: http://www.folkejohansson.se/folkejohansson.se/SPIRITS_FOR_SALE.html
The old website www.spiritsforsale.com will soon disappear but all info will be found on this page.

Spirits for sale - the awardwinning documentary:

Best international film of the South Dakota Film Festival 2007.

Best international Spiritual Documentary at New York International Indie Film & Video Festival 2009.

To order a DVD of Spirits for Sale, please email: levande.bilder@swipnet.se

The film is in English with a choice of Swedish subtitles.

Institutional sale: 500SKR + VAT/moms + postage

Consumer sale: 99SKR + postage

(99 SKR approx. $14 or 11EUR)

Institutional price includes public performance rights.

More info in Swedish: www.bcbooks.se

That last link is gone, too. However, the links in my preceding post of June 18, 2016, are OK.
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Sparks on May 08, 2017, 02:42:40 am
Here is this 2007 film on the IMDb database: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1586568/

Only two reviews; one ten-star rating and one one-star rating.

Those of you who have seen this film, please add your rating!
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Sparks on May 08, 2017, 02:48:13 am
Update about change of Internet site, etc:

Quote from: http://www.folkejohansson.se/folkejohansson.se/SPIRITS_FOR_SALE.html
[…]

(http://www.folkejohansson.se/folkejohansson.se/SPIRITS_FOR_SALE_files/2007%20DVD%20Spirits%20for%20sales%2072.jpg)
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: WINative on June 17, 2018, 03:02:32 am
I just noticed the link on this film and would like to see it. I know it's been out for 11 years, is there anywhere online to see it for free?
Title: Re: Spirits for Sale
Post by: Sparks on August 05, 2019, 12:54:13 am
I just noticed the link on this film and would like to see it. I know it's been out for 11 years, is there anywhere online to see it for free?

I only found a few excerpts on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVuwhAgu8Fk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAJapMsPEpA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPJuOVFpzek
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OfUHp3HKrQ

These pages are still there:
https://www.amazon.com/Spirits-Sale-Artist-Not-Provided/dp/1463109423
http://www.folkejohansson.se/folkejohansson.se/SPIRITS_FOR_SALE.html (Physical DVD)
https://www.journeyman.tv/film/4145/spirits-for-sale (Buy & Download)
https://www.mcintyre.ca/titles/395059
https://films.com/id/25722/Spirits_for_Sale_The_Commercialization_of_American_Indian_Rituals.htm

See also:
https://www.journeyman.tv/film_documents/4145/transcript/
http://quillandparchment.com/archives/Sept2010/movie.html