2hotFeature one of my absolute favorites!

BroadcastChic Excellent, a Must See

Brendon Jones It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Sammy-Jo Cervantes There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

noralee John Trudell is such a charismatic man, with such a dramatic adult life story and articulate passion in word and song that the documentary "Trudell" is fascinating despite the frustrating limitations in the film. While Trudell's early biography is very briefly covered in the first five minutes, the writing/directing team of Russell Friedenberg and Heather Rae are at their best throughout in uncovering a broad range of period news coverage, video and film, from U.S. and international sources, home collections, and more, from news events to interviews to rallies to performances. While the bare, contextual historical documentation of the 1960's and 1970's was probably limited by the budget, as it includes many stock stereotyped shots, including old Hollywood images of Indians, what comes across strongly is how consistent Trudell has been throughout his life as a forceful spokesman for Native American rights and related environmental stewardship. How many baby boomers or older could appear next to old footage of themselves and appear so consistent, visually and politically and still an activist? As someone who became more aware of Trudell's contributions through his music (and I still haven't seen either Michael Apted's documentary "Incident at Oglala", which is excerpted in this film, or his fictionalized adaptation "Thunderheart" in which Trudell also appeared and its star Val Kilmer is quoted here), the film is very frustrating in passing over his art, except as therapy in getting over politically tainted tragedies. The film particularly neglects how his songs extend beyond narrow issues to the broader culture, such as his classic "Baby Boom Che" which metaphorizes enlisting in Elvis's Army, an influence that does not come across in the film. We only see a verse or two of mostly political songs, as well as a lovely romantic remembrance of his late wife and not even one full concert performance, some with annoying music video pretensions. We get more banal, predictable endorsements from musicians like Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and an Indigo Girl than actually hearing his music. His combination of rock with native cultural percussion and vocalization is covered, though not how this has influenced the growing bands of rez rockers. The closing song over the credits is Kris Kristofferson's song about Trudell.What we do get extensively is Trudell's overarching philosophy. While he is eloquent, he does talk in whole paragraphs, so I can understand why artsy images are inserted during his long monologues. The last time I heard a similar brilliant environmentalist speak so extensively extemporaneously with such a three-dimensional ideology that encompassed everything was R. Buckminster Fuller who could also talk for hours at a time. The more recent biographical elements of a healing life and second family in Canada were very confusing factually, as I wasn't clear of the relation of some of the family members interviewed.I would have liked for the film to include Native American issues in the post-casino corruption world. The film does include natural resources exploitation issues and we get some hints of conservative tribal elders vs. activists but not much.I wasn't able to get in to see the film at the Tribeca Film Festival, so appreciated being among the few at a matinée screening during its one week commercial run in NYC.

sjmoore-2 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!

Linda Piera-Avila 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.

GEM CONTI This documentary provides insight to injustices done to the Native Indians of this land called America. Sadly John's tragedies provide the essence of what the U.S government has and is doing to the Native Indians today. Johns words come from wisdom lived harshly, but his words are strong and people should listen, as he denotes what has been done to Indian indignation eloquently. Miss Jolie saw in John's art what others should experience and thankfully helped to share his art with the rest of the world. Thank you Angelina. John's music and poetry is heartfelt, sincere, and deeply emotional. I have met and watched him perform. He is as intense in person as he is on-stage. Heather Rae did astounding work and should be commended highly. When you watch the movie be prepared to have the hair on your arms and neck stand up, if they don't then you just don't get it. Sincerely, Gemini