The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian will screen the acclaimed film, Mekko, at its New York and Washington, D.C., locations during American Indian Heritage Month in November. Screenings take place Thursday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m. in New York and Saturday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in Washington. Following each screening, director Sterlin Harjo (Seminole) and lead actor Rod Rondeaux (Crow/Cheyenne) will participate in a discussion and Q&A. Mekko is presented in English and Mvskoke with English subtitles. Admission is free; it is suggested for mature audiences only.
In Washington, the film screens as part of the museum’s “Dinner and a Movie” series. The Mitsitam Espresso Bar will offer dinner options available until 6:45 p.m. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Synopsis
Recently released after 19 years in prison, an aging Creek man Mekko (Rondeaux) finds himself on the streets of Tulsa, Okla. As he struggles to find his way in the outside world after two decades behind bars, he discovers a chaotic, yet profound and beautiful community of impoverished Natives. Though Mekko finds some peace in this fringe society of the modern world, he also uncovers a darkness that threatens to destroy it from within. Wanting to clear his future by rectifying his past, he decides to take on the estekini (evil witch or shape-shifter) to cleanse the sickness from this collective of marginalized individuals and perhaps atone for the sins that landed him in jail so many years ago.
New York’s screening is part of the museum’s “At the Movies” series, made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
For additional information, including hours and directions, visit AmericanIndian.si.edu. Follow the museum via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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SI-515-2016
Lisa Austin
212-514-3826
