The Unseen Threats in Native Lands

Read Time:3 Minute, 43 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Demon Mineral
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director(s): Hadley Austin
Where To Watch: premiering at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival, www.slamdance.com; for more information, visit www.redfordcenter.org

RAVING REVIEW: When was the last time you questioned the ground you live on? That question is precisely what we experience in DEMON MINERAL, a documentary directed by Hadley Austin; it feels like entering a living, breathing chronicle where ancient traditions clash with modern environmental challenges. This documentary is more than just a sequence of scenes or a history lesson; it's a vibrant, pulsating narrative that paints a picture of resilience against the harsh backdrop of uranium mining in the Navajo Nation.

DEMON MINERAL is an immersive exploration of the Diné (or Navajo) community's struggle with the long-running ecological damage done to them and their land. Emma Robbins, one of the film's producers, helps narrate this exploration, blending personal experiences with the broader environmental battle. Austin's collaboration with Robbins and film co-writer Dr. Tommy Rock ensures a narrative of authenticity and connection.

The structure is a well-crafted montage, comparing and contrasting tranquil reflections of ancient landscapes against the sharp edges of activism. It traces the path of uranium from its cosmic beginnings to its profound effects on the Navajo Nation. The documentary's striking visual narrative, particularly its use of infrared cinematography, crafts a visual dichotomy between the beautiful landscapes and the lurking radiation threats, reminiscent of the classic Westerns ironically filmed on the same lands.

In DEMON MINERAL, an indigenous philosophy about a dormant earth demon metaphorically stands for uranium, symbolizing the chaos and devastation unleashed by human intervention. Yet, the film pivots from despair to a celebration of empowerment, documenting the Diné people's fight to safeguard their water and land. Scenes of radiation measurements, anti-mining protests, and culturally infused resistance through music add depth to this tale of survival. The filmmakers don’t shy away from excusing the early days of the unknown effects of uranium on people but make it clear that we’ve now long known what dangers it represents.

Support from Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland adds a core to the film. As the first Native American to hold the position, her advocacy underscores the film's message about combating the remnants of nuclear colonialism, emphasizing the broader fight for recognition and justice. The film is a clarion call to those who are blinded by profit over people; as if stealing land wasn’t enough, the government has continued to destroy it as well.

Transcending traditional documentary boundaries, DEMON MINERAL is a testament to collaborative filmmaking, showing the perspectives of the Diné people in a broader narrative. This documentary is a powerful homage to the Navajo Nation's resilience, urging audiences to confront the long-standing impacts of uranium mining.

DEMON MINERAL is a rich, emotionally charged narrative that captures the essence of a community's battle for survival. Austin and her team have crafted a compelling, educational narrative that offers a deep dive into a chapter of American history that often goes unnoticed. Blending personal stories with environmental activism and cultural insights, DEMON MINERAL is an essential watch for anyone fascinated by the intersection of history, environment, and indigenous rights.

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[photo courtesy of FORMIDABLE ENTITIES, NEVO SHINAAR PRODUCTION]

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