The Exiles

This documentary-drama follows a group of Native American individuals living in Los Angeles during the late 1960s. It offers an intimate portrayal of their struggles with poverty, cultural displacement, and the search for identity away from their reservations. The film captures their daily lives, interactions, and the challenges they face in a predominantly white urban environment, highlighting themes of alienation and resilience.

The Exiles is recognized as an important early documentary that shed light on the urban Native American experience. While not widely released or heavily reviewed in its time, it has since gained critical appreciation for its authentic and empathetic portrayal of a marginalized community. Its raw, cinéma vérité style has been noted for its impact in bringing these overlooked stories to a broader audience.

• Praised for its raw, unvarnished look at the urban Native American experience.

• Commended for its empathetic and intimate portrayal of displacement and identity struggles.

• Considered a significant, albeit lesser-known, documentary of its era.

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The film was shot in black and white, contributing to its gritty and authentic aesthetic, and was co-produced by the UCLA Student Film Production Board.