In Search of Nampeyo: The Feature Film
Donation protected
The Film
Help us complete the feature-length documentary film "In Search of Nampeyo," bringing to light the untold true story of America's first modern artist: the Hopi-Tewa potter Nampeyo (1856-1942). Her inspiring life story of overcoming adversity and finding success in uncertain times is now more relevant than ever. With your support, we wish to elevate Nampeyo to the status she deserves in the pantheon of great 20th-century American artists. Will you join us on our journey?
Our self-funded 30-minute short documentary screened at the Santa Fe International Film Festival 2022. We have been greatly encouraged by the positive response. We are looking forward to sharing it with you!
Rewards: Watch the Short Film & More!
To show our thanks to everyone who donates $100 or more, we will provide a personal link and password to view the short film online. DVDs are available on request.
This film is a research project based on Steve Elmore's award-winning book of the same name. As an additional thank-you, we will send a signed copy of the book to our patrons who donate $200 or more. Donors at this level will also receive a link to view the short film.
To honor the matriarch of Pueblo pottery we are hosting a private VIP screening of the short film, Sunday, June 4th, 2023 at 4:00 pm at Santa Fe's Jean Cocteau Cinema. Those who donate over $300 will receive an invitation to join us (with a plus one) for this special invite-only event, including refreshments and Q&A session with the filmmakers and artists featured in the film, including Hopi master potters Vernida Polacca Nampeyo and Jeremy Adams Nampeyo. Donors at this level will also receive a link to view the short film and a signed copy of the In Search of Nampeyo book.
Use Of Funds
Building on the success of the short documentary, we are exploring distribution channels for a feature-length version of this film, incorporating many hours of unreleased interviews with Hopi and Pueblo artists. Your support will empower us to include additional Native American voices, historical photos, copyrighted music, and images of important pieces housed in museum collections. Funds will be used for these additional production expenses, festival submission fees and marketing costs to promote the theatrical release of the final film.
Our Creative Team
- Executive Producer Steve LaRance (Hopi, Assiniboine) brings extensive experience in cultural preservation, notably in his important work with the Lightning Boy Foundation.
- Director Tom Radford whose credits include 50+ films for the international market including several collaborations with First Nations peoples both as filmmakers and as subjects of his work.
- Producer/Researcher Steve Elmore has researched the life of Nampeyo for 30+ years. His Santa Fe gallery is a reputable source of historic Native American artwork.
Screeners & Books
Password-protected screener links for "In Seach of Nameyo: The Short Film" will be sent individually in messages through the GoFundMe platform. Books and DVDs will be mailed within a week. Please check your email for updates and include your current mailing address where applicable.
Fundraising team (2)
Steve Elmore
Organizer
Santa Fe, NM
Steve Elmore
Team member