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Woven Together

"Woven Together" is a love letter from a grandson to his grandmother in the form of a short documentary set in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. This film explores a Navajo family's life intertwined with the land they cherish, their cultural traditions and the modern world. Through the lens of matriarch Laura Tsosie, the film delves into Navajo culture, reservation life, showcasing the balance between traditional values and modern challenges. The film features interviews with her children, sharing insights influenced by their mother's wisdom. Initiated by her grandson Malakye Tsosie, the film's creation process involved collaboration with the Whitehorse Lake community, highlighting the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural identity. "Woven Together" offers a poignant look at Navajo narratives, emphasizing the significance of educational literacy and cultural expressions through rug weaving, making it a testament to the enduring strength of family and tradition.

  • Lauren O'Brien
    Producer
    Blue Moon, Body Brokers: Mutilation in Montrose, Irrational Behavior
  • Malakye Tsosie
    Director
    Papa
  • Drew Bouchard
    Cinematographer
  • Drew Bouchard
    Editor
  • Lauren O'Brien
    Editor
  • Malakye Tsosie
    Editor
  • Drew Bouchard
    Sound Mixer
  • Drew Bouchard
    Colorist
  • EURēCA! Grant Program
    Special Thanks
  • Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities at CU Denver
    Special Thanks
  • Elizabeth Evans
    Special Thanks
  • Ben Hunter
    Special Thanks
  • Andrew Bateman
    Special Thanks
  • Hans Rosenwinkel
    Special Thanks
  • Lauren O'Brien
    Poster Design
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 22, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    35mm
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - CU Denver
Director Biography - Malakye Tsosie

Yá'át'ééh, (Hello in Navajo), My Name is Malakye Zaayin Tsosie, and I am from Rocksprings, NM. I grew up on the Navajo Reservation between Window Rock, AZ, and Gallup, NM. I attended the University of Colorado Denver to pursue fiction storytelling and creative writing. However, in recent years, I have been enlightened by the process of documentary filmmaking.

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Director Statement

As the director of my second film, I wanted to explore the labyrinth of memory, identity, and familial narratives. This approach was deeply rooted in my connection to my great-grandmother, Laura Tsosie. I want this film to bring a personal and authentic representation of where I come from, drawing on my connection to my heritage and family. Through my documentaries, I want to explore diverse perspectives and shed light on indigenous stories.