The United States’ questionable conduct towards indigenous people has long been a rich source of inspiration for countless films and series.
Martin Scorsese’s high-profile Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) for instance, once again emphasizes the great lengths to which an invader is willing to go when the prospect of enormous wealth lies ahead.
Another famous example is of course Kevin Costner, who built a career on the subject with Dances with Wolves (1990), Yellowstone, and soon Horizon: An American Saga.
With Costner came Taylor Sheridan, the multi-hyphenate behind Yellowstone spin-offs 1883 and 1923, and the reservation-set Thriller Wind River (2017).
Other personal favorites are Michael Apted’s Thunderheart (1992), Michael Mann’s The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and John Woo’s Windtalkers (2002).
Hidden between the blockbusters and Signature Series on HBO Max however, lies the quiet little gem Navajo Police: Class 57 (2023). This impressive documentary miniseries follows 28 recruits at the Navajo Police Training Academy in Chinle, Arizona.
The Navajo tribe is one of the largest indigenous groups of the country that is known today as The United States, with the vast majority residing in Arizona. The filmmakers follow people who have very little – because most of their heritage was stolen from them by immigrants from other continents centuries ago – and still find the courage to go through a grueling training stage for a job that is guaranteed to be extremely dangerous and difficult.
The Navajo are a sovereign nation, which means their police department operates under its own jurisdiction. Severely understaffed and perpetually overextended, the Navajo Police are fighting a losing battle against institutionalized poverty and abuse amongst their people.
Take a break from your daily dose of popcorn pleasure and move NP:C57 to the top your playlist. This marginalized community deserves your undivided attention.
#navajonation
#thescreenaddict
#film
#movies
#contentrecommendation
#celebrateart
#nobodyknowsanything
Twitter (X): Robin Logjes | The Screen Addict