Itam Hakim Hopiit

Victor Masayesva’s 1984 documentary Itam Hakim Hopiit is a poetic visualization of Hopi philosophy and prophesy. Masayesva’s lyrical imagery invites the viewer to “see through Hopi eyes” as they move through an Indigenous space narrated in the Hopi language. Masayesva’s cinematography seeks not to capture Hopi life for an audience, but instead to capture the audience and immerse them in an ancient landscape and philosophy poetically rendered by one of our most important American Indian filmmakers. This stunning work of art exemplifies Indigenous resilience and is a bench mark in the world of American Indian film making.

This film is part of the Moving Image Studies film series Space, Body, Sound. This series was programmed by film studies faculty for the Northrop Grand Opening with reference to Northrop's focus on the performing arts. Itam Hakim Hopiit was programmed by Angelica Lawson, Department of American Indian Studies.