Scenes From the Glittering World

Premiered May 16, 2022

Directed by

Jared Jakins

On the Navajo Nation reservation, Indigenous teens at one of the most remote schools in America plan their futures.

EXPLORE THE FILM

About the Documentary

Three Indigenous students experience the highs and lows of adolescence while attending one of the most remote high schools in the United States. Living in the uniquely beautiful but isolated Diné community within the Navajo Nation reservation, they navigate life as teenagers and dream of a glittering future.

The Filmmakers

South African-born documentarian Jared Jakins' work has screened in major film festivals around the world and appeared in The Atlantic. He is film curator at Granary Arts Center in Ephraim, Utah. Jared is interested in stories of cultural intersection, and seeks to document images of community and identity emerging from those collisions. Scenes from the Glittering World is his feature debut.

Roni Jo Draper, Ph.D. spent the past 50 years in school—as student and educator. Her experience as a Yurok woman, and the realities and acute pain of discriminatory practices and policies enacted in school settings, influenced her writing and work with students and teachers. Her storytelling practices outside traditional academia are a way to explore the human experience and share stories.

Scott Christopherson was one of ten documentary filmmakers featured in Variety’s “Docu-makers to Watch” list in 2015. Scott’s debut feature film, Peace Officer, won both the Grand Jury and Audience Awards for best documentary at the SXSW Film Festival. His films have screened at festivals including Hot Docs, Full Frame, and Camden. His work has been featured by the Museum of Modern Art.

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