A locally-produced documentary film that explores traditions and the universal experience of trauma felt by people and cultures from across the globe will be viewed Friday evening at SUNY Fredonia. The Native American SUNY: Western Consortium will present "Tradition, Trauma and Tenderness" at the Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall in Mason Hall on Friday at 6:30 PM. The 90-minute film by the CREATE Project has been included in the Buffalo International Film Festival, the Cannes World Film Festival and the Stockholm City Film Festival.
The film was executive-produced, written and co-directed by local artist, activist and folklorist Valerie Walawender and also co-directed by cinematographer Alex Simmons, a SUNY Fredonia alumnus. He was also responsible for primary videography, narration, sound, and editing.
Residents from Dunkirk, Fredonia and other communities in Chautauqua County and Western New York from diverse cultures and backgrounds came together to help create the ground-breaking documentary. Illustrated by images, music, and reflections, individuals and groups display their cultural heritage in dance, song, and artifacts. Images of natural disasters, abuse, disease, genocide, slavery, poverty, and war appear in the documentary. A major underlying theme in the film is the idea that trauma is a universal experience, and that it is important to recognize that everyone is affected by various forms of trauma in their personal or collective history.
Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend. The project was funded by Arts Services, Inc. and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation.
Lead dancer for the Allegany River Seneca Dancers, Bill Crouse, and his family. Photo by Brandon Rivera.
