Smoke Signals

Two young Native American men, Thomas-Builds-the-Fire and Victor Joseph, embark on a road trip from their reservation in Idaho to Phoenix, Arizona. They are seeking to retrieve the ashes of Thomas's estranged father, who abandoned him as a child. Along the way, they confront their past traumas, cultural identity, and the complexities of their friendship.

Smoke Signals was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its authentic portrayal of contemporary Native American life, sharp humor, and poignant storytelling. It was celebrated as a landmark film for Indigenous cinema, earning praise for its fresh perspective and compelling performances.

• Praised for its authentic voice and humor, offering a fresh perspective on Native American experiences.
• Celebrated for its relatable characters and heartfelt journey of friendship and self-discovery.
• Recognized as a significant achievement in independent and Indigenous filmmaking.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's genuine portrayal of Indigenous characters and their stories, finding the blend of comedy and drama to be highly effective. Many highlighted the strong performances and the film's ability to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Won the Audience Award for Best Film at the Sundance Film Festival, and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay.

The screenplay for Smoke Signals was written by Sherman Alexie, who also directed many of his other works based on his own writings about Native American life.