CPT12 Pressroom

DENVER – (October 2, 2009) – During a special two-hour Studio 12, Channel 12 will provide a sneak peek at Denver's 2009 Indigenous Film Festival and air a moving documentary from the 2008 film festival. 

The weekly Studio 12 program will air Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m., with the documentary following at 8:40 p.m.

Studio 12’s Tamara Banks will host four filmmakers whose works are showcased at the 2009 Indigenous Film Festival.  The festival, which showcases films that are written, produced or directed by indigenous peoples around the world, will be October 13-18 in Denver.   

Program panelists will include Sterlin Harjo, director of Barking Water, the festival’s opening film that follows a 50-something couple who takes a redemptive road trip filled with memories, love and forgiveness across Oklahoma. Local student-filmmakers Derek Brown and Mattea Wellnitz will discuss their production, Sand Creek Massacre Spiritual Healing Run/Walk. Jeffry Silverman, director of For the Rights of All: Ending Jim Crow in Alaska, also will join the panel along with Film Festival Director Jeanne Rubin.

At 8:40, Making the River, a moving documentary about Native American Jimi Simmons who spent two years in solitary confinement and endured an emotional death penalty trial for a crime that he did not commit. Making the River was a 2008 festival selection.

Each week Studio 12 explores hot issues and fascinating topics with provocative and knowledgeable guests.  Viewers may call in or send questions via the station’s Facebook fan page during the live program. 

This episode of Studio 12 also will be available for viewing via the on-demand feature of www.KBDI.org after October 7.