North American Indigenous Media and Production Contexts

The American Indian Film Institute (AIFI) is a non-profit media arts organization founded in 1979 to foster understanding of the culture, traditions and issues of contemporary Native Americans. Today, AIFI is the major Native American media and cultural arts presenter in California, and its festival is the world’s oldest and most recognized international film exposition dedicated to Native American cinematic accomplishment.

This is a San Francisco based film festival has become a trusted guide to contemporary Native American life. A reliable, celebratory and empowering event, the Festival’s array of programs – films, workshops, receptions, awards show – work to replace stereotypes with authentic representations of Native traditions, history and present-day life.