Trudell

How to describe Trudell? He defies categorization and labels. He is simultaneously a leader, poet and prophet. His wisdom transcends the decades and even the centuries. His words give clarity to the problems of living under the dominant culture. Heather Rae's superb film illustrates Trudell's message in a memorable and experiential way. Those in the activist community should see this film to gain an even broader perspective. From his days broadcasting "Radio Free Alcatraz" on KPFA to his concerts performing "Bombs Over Baghdad," he gives voice to resistance to oppression and the need to honor the earth, lessons we sorely need to learn in this day and age of global climate change and petrocollapse.

John Trudell is a fascinating and troublesome man. His story is complex and unknown by most Americans. I've read two reviews saying the film "Trudell" is too worshipful of the man. The purpose of the film, however, is to illuminate the man and his message to America, which are both very powerful. The audience can critique what Trudell believes however they want.

The film is revealing of the man, his sensibility, and his situation as both an insider and outsider of American culture. The film is also suggestive, in both forceful and poetic ways, as to our responsibilities as American citizens. It's also original in that it has a strong, unfiltered Indian sensibility. If there were more people like John Trudell in America -- and more films addressing the issues of what true freedom and democracy mean -- our country would be in much better shape. Do yourself a favor and see this man, see this film.

I saw a version (don't know if any edits/changes have been made since) a little over a year ago at a screening in Boise, ID where it was announced the film had been selected for Sundance. I went in totally unprepared for what I was hit with and am forever changed by it. The film-making was truly exceptional and the subject is one of our country's most original thinkers. This is one worth seeing, you won't regret it. Trudell is a survivor and filmmaker Rae, over a period of several years, captured footage and interviews with an amazing range of people who saw him through it all. This film really does go through his life with detail and richness that allows the viewer inside. It's a life worth examining.

Finally, the story of John Trudell is told.

Trudell is an amazingly creative individual with a deep taproot, and this film presentation of his life is dynamic and riveting. The suffering he has endured as a human being, apart from any political or cultural back story, and his big-hearted response, can inform all of our lives. In addition to the creative beauty of the film, it has some excellent documentary footage from an important period in our country's history that should not be missed.

I attended the premiere in Minneapolis with my children (ages 15 to 23) and it was a significant cultural and artistic event for all of us. I'm eager to see the completed version of the film and will continue to encourage everyone I know to see it.

Bring the family!

I've read about John Trudell for years, heard his poetry and political/spiritual philosophy, heard him speak in person, and am familiar with the abuse he suffered while working as a full-time activist. So I was very interested to see the film when it came within driving distance (two hours) of my home. I did learn some things about his personal life, from childhood on, and think the film pursues the personal and family life without prying or being voyeuristic. I also learned some details about his evolution as a speaker. I saw no attempt to candy-coat either his public image or the lasting damage that his personal tragedies have wrought. I was particularly interested by the different ways that journalists responded to him during interviews and that celebrities summarized their impressions after working with him.

Overall, I came away with a deepened appreciation for his spirit, a strengthened critique of the culture we all find ourselves living in, and admiration for his uncompromising love of human beings and for his persistence. I would have been very interested to hear the commentary of mainstream political figures, in order to watch them publicly negotiate the presence of an eloquent, critical voice who is more often ignored or discounted as a radical or a nut just because it is difficult to hear some of what he says.

This is an excellent documentary.