Alcatraz Is Not an Island

When a group of Native Americans reclaimed Alcatraz Island in 1969, their activism forever altered how Native Americans viewed themselves, their culture, and their rights.

Premiere Date: November 7, 2002
Length: 60 minutes
Funding Initiative: Open Call

Director

James M. Fortier

James is an enrolled member of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Ojibway First Nation. He received his B.A. at San Francisco State University. Alcatraz Is Not an Island won best documentary feature at the American Indian Film Festival and screened at Sundance. He's won numerous awards, including three regional Emmy Awards and the duPont-Columbia Award.

Filmmaker Site

Producer

Jon Plutte

Jon Plutte is an award-winning filmmaker, multimedia producer, exhibit designer, and musician. A Bay Area native, his past work includes managing, designing, and producing multimedia exhibits and permanent media displays at the Presidio of San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, and the Marin Headlands, among others. Jon produced and directed We Hold the Rock,… Show more the first documentary made about the Indian occupation of Alcatraz in 30 years. This early exhibit and multimedia project has now developed into Alcatraz Is Not an Island. He is also working with the City of Richmond, California on a documentary about the Richmond, California shipyards during World War II entitled It's Our Fight, Too!, and is collaborating with the City of Richmond, California and the National Park Service to help develop the new Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park. Show less

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The Film

In 1969, a small group of Native American students claimed Alcatraz Island. Thousands of Native Americans eventually joined them, retaking Indian land for the first time since the 1880s. This historic event altered the U.S. government's policy, and forever changed the way Native Americans view themselves, their culture, and their rights. Narrated by Benjamin Bratt.