Directed by Sky Hopinka, Powwow People allows the community tradition to tell its own story. Using a verite-style of filmmaking, Hopinka reveals the rhythms and relationships that anchor contemporary Native powwow culture. Using voiceovers sparingly, the beauty of the film stems from the cameras ability to simply hold still and celebrate the performers in all their glory. In this 1on1, we speak to Hopinka about balancing tradition with change and creating inclusive spaces.
Powwow People premiered at TIFF ’25.
