Since taking a Film & Archives class as a graduate student, I have become increasingly intrigued by international films, in addition to film preservation. My former professor lives in North Vancouver and would mention the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). I didn’t realize until recently that some film festivals are reserved only for industry professionals. I was happy to discover that the general public can attend TIFF. I would love to go someday soon! When browsing the TIFF movie selections for 2023, I came across ‘Frybread Face and Me’ and was happy to discover it was available to stream.
Film Summary
The film begins with a Navajo family sitting in a San Diego diner circa the early 1990s. The father tells his son of eleven, Benny, that he will stay with his grandmother on the reservation in Arizona for the summer. Benny is devastated because he wants to attend the Fleetwood Mac concert (his favorite band).
After being dropped off at his grandmother’s, Benny discovers that he knows nothing of his family’s traditions nor can he speak Navajo. Soon after he arrives, his cousin Dawn is also dropped off. Their uncle, who lives with their grandmother, continuously refers to her as “Frybread Face”. Dawn later explains that it’s because of her supposedly greasy, round face.
Benny learns more about the Navajo culture, and his grandmother speaks only in Navajo, even though he cannot understand her. Diné (pronounced di-nay) is mentioned in the movie, which translates to “the people” and can also mean “man” or “people of the Earth”. The word “Navajo” was given to the nation by the Spanish during the occupation and therefore most consider it a foreign term. In 2017, a bill was proposed to officially change the name of the Navajo Nation to the Diné Nation, but it did not pass. Despite this, many in the Navajo Nation refer to themselves as Diné.
Throughout his summer stay, Benny grows to love his extended family despite some of their harsh words and natures. His grandmother is wise, kind, and loving…the epitome of a grandmother. She keeps them all in check when they are snarky and hurtful to each other. She strives to teach Benny Diné traditions, such as weaving, and he eagerly embraces the Navajo language and culture.
The Origins of Fry Bread
Fry bread was the food of survival and is associated with the forced relocation of Native American and Alaskan Native Tribes in the 1800s. The Navajo people are credited with creating fry bread after being forced on the “Long Walk” from Arizona to New Mexico. Since they were far away from their traditional foods and resources, they turned to U.S. government rations of flour, salt, baking powder, and lard, which saved many from starvation.
Fry Bread has since represented resilience and family. The tradition and knowledge of making fry bread have been passed down through generations. This bread has unified diverse indigenous peoples through shared cultural experience. Fry Bread is eaten with family and friends during meals, pow-wows, and other gatherings.
For those interested in making Fry Bread, here’s the recipe: Rosanna’s Fry Bread
About the Director
Billy Luther was born in Winslow, Arizona, and is a Diné/Hopi/Laguna Pueblo filmmaker. Known for the documentary “Miss Navajo” (2007) and the AMC show “Dark Winds” (2022-), Luther got a little more personal with “Frybread Face and Me”. He has stated, “This is my story, but the lines are blurred. It’s a memory from a moment in time”. Though it’s not autobiographical, Luther took elements and experiences from his childhood and put them into the film. As a youth, he would split his summers between his Diné-only speaking grandma in Kayenta, Arizona, and his Laguna Pueblo family in New Mexico.
Luther was raised by his grandmother and aunties and he states that this helped build the foundation of who he is today. The Navajo culture is very matrilineal and the women in his life were understanding and non-judgemental. They gave him the love and support he needed which made coming out as gay later in life a lot easier.
He also wanted to incorporate the idea of “hózhó” into the film. The way it is presented in the film is this concept of harmony and the balance between masculine and feminine. How one carries oneself. Luther recalls, “That’s how I felt when I saw my grandmother; she was at peace with herself and her connection to the land and her family. There was no judgment with her, just love.”
“Hair is our memory. It represents that we’re part of our people.”
My Thoughts
During the movie, I couldn’t help but think about how crucial it is to preserve oral history. Without proper preservation, a lot of cultural heritage could be lost (and unfortunately, probably already has). Another important aspect of archival work to consider getting involved in.
This movie isn’t necessarily a feel-good flick and it isn’t action-packed. It is an understated and matter-of-fact snapshot in time. There are complex themes at play in this story, including family tension and dysfunction within the immediate and extended families, dealing with death and loss, and experiencing a cultural awakening. There are emotional moments throughout the film as these thrown-together family members get to know each other…and themselves.
Overall, the film is a thought-provoking and relatable tale no matter what your origin story is. I have been pondering this concept of hózhó since viewing the film and hope to find balance and harmony in my own life.
Watch ‘Frybread Face and Me’ on Netflix
Indigenous Influencers
- Che Jim – Instagram (@che_jim) – TikTok (@che.jim) – IMDb Profile
- Michelle Chubb – Instagram (@indigenous_baddie) – TED Talk: Resilience
- Kayuula Nova – Instagram (@kayuulanova)
- Chante Reddest – Instagram (@lakotalightning)
Sources
Indian Traders. (2023, May 28). Navajo or Dine – Which is Correct? Indian Traders Blog. https://indiantraders.com/blogs/news/navajo-or-dine-which-is-correct
Kumar, N. (2023, November 21). In Frybread Face and Me, a Navajo Boy Finds His Queerness — and His Culture. Them. https://www.them.us/story/frybread-face-and-me-billy-luther-interview
Oregon State University. (2023). Fry Bread – Bread of Resilience. Food Hero Magazine. https://foodhero.org/magazines/fry-bread-bread-resilience
Wittenberg, A. (2023, November 28). Indigenous boy finds his culture in ‘Frybread Face and Me’ film. Navajo-Hopi Observer. https://www.nhonews.com/features/indigenous-boy-finds-his-culture-in-frybread-face-and-me-film/article_9e57e36d-30e1-5710-adae-f336806a507d.html