This year marks an incredible milestone in the movement for media justice and narrative sovereignty, the 10th anniversary of the 4th World Media Lab, an Indigenous-led, matriarch-rooted fellowship that continues to shape the future of filmmaking through mentorship, community, and cultural care. This year’s celebration is part of the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF), running in person from May 15–25, 2025 and online May 26–June 1, 2025.
The 4th World Media Lab is more than just a fellowship. It’s a year-long commitment to nurturing emerging and mid-career Indigenous filmmakers with the tools, networks, and support needed to rise and thrive in an industry that too often overlooks the brilliance of Indigenous creatives. From festival participation to pitch sessions, from hands-on training to masterclasses with powerhouse creatives, the lab is designed to honor where our storytellers come from while propelling them toward where they are destined to go.
The heart of the work is rooted in collaboration with support from festivals like Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, SIFF, and Camden International Film Festival, as well as funders and organizations like Pacific Islanders in Communications, ITVS, and guest mentors like Miki Magasiva (Director of Tinā). The 4th World Media Lab is a space where Indigenous artists are empowered to tell stories that challenge, heal, and transform.
“In these times, Indigenous stories offer fresh perspectives and important lessons, to carry us through change and transformation, through the medium of film and creative storytelling,” says Tracy Rector, co-founder of 4th World Media.
Meet the 2025 4th World Media Lab Fellows:
- Kekama Amona (Kanaka ʻŌiwi)
- Katsitsionni Fox (Mohawk, Haudenosaunee/First Nations)
- James Johnson III (Koyukon Athabaskan)
- Jules Arita Koostachin (Attawapiskat)
- Tiare Ribeaux (Kanaka ʻŌiwi)
- Steph Viera (Diné, Salvadoran)
These six visionaries will join the ever-growing community of Indigenous media makers changing the face of cinema while reclaiming the lens, reframing the narrative, and amplifying Indigenous futures.
As part of SIFF, the cINeDIGENOUS spotlight will once again showcase the best of global Indigenous cinema. From the SXSW Jury Prize-winning Remaining Native to the U.S. premiere of Aotearoa’s box office smash Ka Whawhai Tonu (Struggles Without End), this year’s program honors 20 years of dedication to uplifting Indigenous-made films.
Feature Highlights:
- Drowned Land – Colleen Thurston (Choctaw Nation, US)
- Remaining Native – Paige Bethmann (US)
- Free Leonard Peltier – Jesse Short Bull and David France (US)
- Tinā – Miki Magasiva (Aotearoa)
- Ka Whawhai Tonu (Struggles Without End) – Mike Jonathan (Aotearoa)
Shorts Program: Medicine Circle: Indigenous Stories of Return
- Red-Shaded Green – Johannes Vang (Sámi) | Sápmi (Norway)
- In My Hand – Marja Helander & Liselotte Wajstedt (Sámi) | Sápmi (Sweden, Norway, Finland)
- This is a Story About Salmon – Princess Daazhraii Johnson (Neets’aii Gwich’in) | Alaska
- Munkha – Alexander Moruo (Yakut) & Markel Martynov | Russia
- Civilized – Marc Fussing Rosbach (Inuk) | Greenland
- Inkwo for When the Starving Return – Amanda Strong (Red River Michif/Métis) | Canada
Additional Shorts:
- Pow! – Joey Clift (US)
- The Great Cherokee Grandmother – Anthony Sneed (US)
- Field Recording – (US)
- Waska: The Forest Is My Family – Nina Gualinga (Ecuador)
- Tiger – Loren Waters (US)
- Saturn Rising – Tiare Ribeaux (US)
- Dear Aloha – Cris Romento (US)
To experience these films and participate in panels, workshops, and career development events, visit siff.net.