‘A’-T’I XWEE-GHAYT-NISH (STILL, WE LIVE ON) (2023)
documentary feature | 40 mins
directed, and edited by Dave Jannetta
With their language facing extinction, the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation in Northern California works against time to bring it back. Loren Me'-lash-ne Bommelyn, the last remaining fluent speaker, leads the efforts to revitalize the language and culture with support from fellow Elders, knowledge keepers, ancestors, and tribal members.
Official Selections:
* Maoriland Film Festival
* RiverRun Film Festival
* Native Spirit Film Festiva
Directors Statement:
Over 18 months, I had the honor of working in collaboration with the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation on this important documentary project.
Throughout this journey, my primary aim as a director has been to amplify the Tolowa Dee-ni' community's voices and tell their story. It's a narrative of immense resilience in the face of historical trauma, as the Tolowa community actively strive to preserve and rejuvenate their rich language and cultural heritage.
Every step of the way, numerous dedicated members of the Nation were deeply involved in the creative process, from its inception to the final edit. With profound respect and a deep sense of humility, my aspiration is that, together, we can share and spread their inspiring story.
I'd like to specifically acknowledge my Producer Marva Sii~xuutesna Jones, a language expert and Tolowa community leader, and Me’-lash-ne Bommelyn, whose lifetime of dedication to the Tolowa language made this film possible.