User Reviews

This film screened at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, TX. The filmmakers have managed to capture an eloquent picture of a subject that most Americans know little about - the Navajo weaving culture. Like several other pictures at SXSW, this film used a small subculture to illustrate the universal conflict between tradition vs. modernity/globalization. They captured that conflict quite well by illustrating the struggle of these poor Navajos to preserve the their traditional weaving practices and way of life. The film is beautifully filmed and charming although at times seems to move a little slowly. Still, it had a melodious quality that was captured by the film's score. While not a great film, it is a valuable educational film for those willing to learn about the culture that has been the greatest victim of American development. It could be useful used in schools.

Weaving Worlds is an outstanding film in so many ways. Unlike the vast majority of films (including documentaries) about American Indians, it does little to romanticize its subject, instead offering a realistic portrait of both the beauty of Navajo weaving and the life of the weavers themselves. The interviews are uncommonly honest and clearly the weavers (mostly elder women, many Navajo monolinguals) were comfortable with the filmmakers in a way that is almost never found with American Indian subjects. Could the reason be that the director himself is Navajo? A truer picture of Navajo weaving and contemporary life may never appear.