Celebrate Indigenous Storytelling at the 8th Annual Lumbee Film Festival on July 4

Powerful stories, inspiring voices, and unforgettable films will take center stage when the Lumbee Film Festival returns to Pembroke on Saturday, July 4.

Now in its eighth year, the festival brings together Native American, Indigenous, and American Indian filmmakers for a day of cinema that celebrates culture, community, and creativity. Presented by the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and the Cucalorus Film Foundation, the festival highlights authentic Indigenous storytelling while shining a spotlight on Lumbee artists and filmmakers.

"The Lumbee Film Festival continues to be a platform for Native filmmakers to share stories that reflect the diversity and resilience of Indigenous communities," said Cheyenne Oxendine. "We are excited to bring these films to audiences in Pembroke and celebrate the voices of Native storytellers from across the country."

The festival kicks off at noon with Medicine Ball, a compelling documentary that follows Native college athletes Lexus and Leroy as they uncover their university's hidden history as a former Indian boarding school. Along the way, viewers witness how basketball has become much more than a game—serving as a source of hope, pride, and connection for Native communities.

At 1:45 p.m., audiences can enjoy the Journey to Belonging Shorts Block, a collection of films exploring identity, family, and cultural traditions. The program includes stories of Indigenous women finding healing through ribbon skirts, an animated Blackfoot adventure centered on belonging, a lighthearted clash between frybread and roti, and a documentary examining reproductive healthcare access on Indigenous reservations in North Carolina.

The festival concludes at 3:15 p.m. with The Long Walk: A Dance with Humanities, a moving documentary that follows six runner-messengers on a 330-mile journey honoring survivors of the Navajo Long Walk. The film also features Lumbee Tribe member Dave Dial and highlights the strength and perseverance of the Diné people.

Festival passes are $20, and individual screening tickets are available for $10.

For tickets and additional information, visit lumbeefilmfestival.eventive.org.