Miss Navajo

Project:Involve Screening

USA, 2007, 60 min

Directed By: Billy Luther
Producer: Billy Luther
Executive Producers: Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato
Cinematographer: Gavin Wynn
Editors: Mike Rysavy, Tracee Morrison
Music: David Benjamin Steinberg

In 1952, as part of their modernization process, the Navajos began a Miss Navajo Nation pageant. Being a matriarchal society, the Navajos traded in superficial swimsuit contests for activities that showcased a contemporary commitment to traditional culture. Filmmaker Billy Luther, whose mother was crowned Miss Navajo in 1966, follows a determined tomboy contestant through the unique pageant, which encompasses everything from tribal history to the butchering of a sheep. Weaving together beautiful poems and inspiring interviews of past winners, Luther shows how strong modern women continue to preserve their noble and invaluable heritage. More ...

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