Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival 2017: Freda Sideroff Interview!

We were honored to meet with Freda Sideroff, the founder of Garifuna International Film Festival! She has channeled the energy of her ancestors to bring Los Angeles a film festival for the voices of all indigenous cultures. Now on it's 6th year, GIFF begins on Friday, May 12 2017. Make sure you read our interview with Freda below & get your tickets as soon as possible!

What was your inspiration to create Garifuna International Film Festival?

My inspiration for creating the Garifuna International Film Festival are the voices of my ancestors telling me to create GIIFF with urgency to promote the preservation of my Garifuna culture for the future generation to inherit a precious and priceless legacy.


What makes GIIFF special?

What makes GIIFF special is how it brings indigenous nations together providing them with a platform where their voices can be heard in an environment where they feel supported honored as well as respected.

How has the festival evolved since its founding in 2012?

The festival has evolved from a one-day event where the primary focus was on the preservation of the Garifuna people to now including indigenous nations from around the globe presenting a weeklong event, which now includes an international symposium.

What has been your favorite moment so far?
 
My favorite moments so far have been meeting the resilient filmmakers whose films are represented with purpose from around the globe.
(As far away from Africa, India, West Papua, Fiji, London, Dominican Republic, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala US & Canada to name a few.)

Freda Sideroff at GIFF

What are you excited about most this year?
 
I am most excited about the films from around the globe we have 27 films which includes features, documentaries and shorts with opportunities for first time filmmakers as well as experienced award winners such as Paul Redman (Being Embera).



Anything else you would like to add?
 
The festival runs May 12th,13th, 20th, 21st, 26th, 27th all details to be found on our website
 
Our Symposium on the social impact of immigration scheduled on Saturday May 13th 2pm to 4:30 Sponsored by the Dept. of Mental Health #5, Live Hula presentation with dances performed by: Halau Hula Na Liko Kupukupu I Ka Lani.  May 27 Closes the festival with the Ambassadors of Music Awards in Los Angeles promoting the preservation of Garifuna culture through music supporting our artists this to take place at the Egyptian Temple #5 5324 Crenshaw BLVD Los Angeles CA 90043.