Watch N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear

N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear is a documentary film about the Pulitzer Prize-winning Native American author, poet, and writer, N. Scott Momaday. This film takes a deep dive into the life and work of Momaday, who is a vital figure in Native American literature. The film is directed by Jeffrey Palmer and is narrated by Robert Redford. It explores Momaday's early years, his childhood on the Kiowa and Cherokee reservations in Oklahoma, and his upbringing in a family that valued storytelling and history. N. Scott Momaday is a descendant of Native American tribes, and his upbringing and belief in the power of the oral tradition have had a profound influence on his writing.

The documentary traces Momaday's journey as a writer and his contributions to Native American literature. It showcases his seminal work The Way to Rainy Mountain, which is known for its unique structure and innovative blend of prose and poetry. The film explores how this work has influenced other writers of Native American literature and how it has helped to make Native American literature more visible.

N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear is an intimate portrait of Momaday's life, his struggles with identity, and his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Native American people. It provides viewers with a rare and powerful insight into the complex and rich culture of Native Americans, their traditions, and their history.

The film features interviews with key figures in Momaday's life, including his family, friends, fellow writers, and literary critics. The interviews are insightful and provide a deeper understanding of Momaday's ethos, his art, and his legacy. The documentary also features readings and performances of Momaday's work, which add a poetic dimension to the film.

One of the central themes of the film is the tension between the traditional oral culture of Native Americans and the dominant American literary culture that Momaday had to navigate. The film explores how Momaday has used storytelling as a way to connect the two worlds and to create a space for Native American voices in mainstream literature.

N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear is a visually stunning film, with breathtaking landscapes, archival footage, and animation. The film is also enriched by the musical score by Bryan N. Ware, which complements the mood and tone of the film.

In conclusion, N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear is a must-see documentary that provides a rare glimpse into the life and work of an important figure in Native American literature. It is an intimate and insightful portrait of a writer whose art has helped to preserve the cultural heritage of a people and who has challenged the dominant literary culture of his time. Through this film, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of Native American culture, their history, and their way of life.

N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear is a 2019 non-fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes.