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 Zaayin Tsosie
    Director
    Papa
  • Drew Bouchard
    Cinematographer
  • Drew Bouchard
    Editor
  • Lauren O'Brien
    Editor
  • Malakye Zaayin Tsosie
    Editor
  • Malakye Zaayin Tsosie
    Sound Mixer
  • Drew Bouchard
    Colorist
  • EuRēCA! Grant Program
    Special Thanks
  • Office of Undergraduate Research
    Special Thanks
  • Elizabeth Evans
    Special Thanks
  • Andrew Bateman
    Special Thanks
  • Hans Rosenwinkel
    Special Thanks
  • Ben Hunter
    Special Thanks
  • 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, Navajo
  • Shooting Format:
    35mm
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - CU Denver
Director Biography - Malakye Zaayin Tsosie

Director Malakye Tsosie grew up in the Navajo Nation before moving to Denver, CO, to attend CU Denver. In pursuit of creative writing and fiction storytelling, he found a passion for documentary filmmaking. After his first documentary, Papa, his love for directing documentaries only extended into another film, Woven Together, which screened at the University of Colorado Denver and won three awards, including Best Documentary.

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Director Statement

As the director, I want 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.