APACHES / APACHEN (1973)
Directed by Gottfried Kolditz
94 minutes
"Based on original documents from the Mexican-American War (1846-48), this film tells the story of the young warrior Ulzana, who is out to avenge the extermination of his tribe. In 1822, the Mimbreño Apache tribe enter into an agreement with a Mexican mining company, relinquishing all mining rights and guaranteeing the safety of the copper town of Santa Rita del Cobre, as well as its access roads. In return, the company guarantees the livelihood of the Native Americans, who hardly have any hunting grounds left. However, American companies are also interested in the precious metal deposits. Under their orders, mining engineer and geologist Johnson attempts to expel the Mimbreños. When the annual food rations are handed out in Santa Rita, Johnson massacres the Native Americans with army cannon. For this savage slaughter, he receives a huge reward. Ulzana assumes the role of chief, leads the few surviving Mimbreños to a neighboring Apache tribe, and vows to avenge the atrocity perpetrated against his people. During the attack on the American settlement, a life-and-death struggle ensues between Johnson and Ulzana. Between 1966 and 1985, the East German DEFA Studio for Feature Films adapted the Western film genre for socialism, while also attempting a gesture of solidarity with the Indigenous nations of North America. Nevertheless, films such as this one include the representation of unacceptable practices, cultural appropriation, as well as racist and stereotypical depictions, characterization, language and imagery." – DEFA FILM LIBRARY, UMass Amherst These screenings are sponsored by the German Film Office, an initiative of the Goethe-Institut and German Films; special thanks to Sara Stevenson.