US Premiere

Director Oogie_Push and Special Guests Attending.

In 1923 the US government issued a ban on Tribal Nation dancing, declaring powwows “unproductive gatherings.” Ignoring the social, political and spiritual effect of this ceremony, the government was using this ban as a tool of oppression. The Meskwaki people responded by organizing one of the largest powwows of the time, turning tradition into resistance. The ban has been lifted, but the tradition continues to this day, a four-day event that is celebrated in this beautiful film.

Tracing the heartbeat of land through footwork, sound, and circular movement, Why We Dance reveals how dance becomes a bridge between body and earth, self and community, and why reclaiming space matters.

Join us for the INDIGENOUS STORYTELLING ROUNDTABLE on April 18

MSPIFF HQ · 65 SE Main Street, Minneapolis | 12:30 PM
MSPIFF45 Indigenous filmmakers gather for a conversation about the inspiration behind their films and the unique challenges they endure in making them and bringing them into the world.

Join us at After Party STILL HERE, STILL MOVING – A CELEBRATION OF INDIGENOUS FILMMAKERS FROM MINNESOTA on April 18

MSPIFF HQ · 65 SE Main Street, Minneapolis | 6:30 PM–8:00 PM
After party for the films Medicine Ball, Why We Dance, Source to Sea: A Winter Migration, and The Boom.