Techqua Ikachi, Land – mein Leben

According the mythology of the Hopi, the deity Maasau requires this Indigenous nation pledge to lead a simple life upon entering the fourth world, which is our world of today. This life is based on agriculture, mainly the cultivation of corn. Techqua Ikachi, Land – My Life is a document of self-determination and the upholding of traditions within the Hopi community, who have been based in Hotevilla, Arizona since the beginning of the 20th century. It shows the life of the community in simple, clear images. They are split in terms of their stance towards white US government policy, primarily the question of whether Hopi children should go to the “white” schools of their “enemies” in Hotelvilla or their “friends” in nearby Oraibi, which has been continually inhabited since the 11th century. Over 20 years, James Danaqyumptewa filmed and documented ceremonies and protests at the behest of the village elder. This Super-8 footage forms the basis of the film, which was made with the help of filmmaker Anka Schmid and artist Agnes Barmettler. From this footage, historical photos and Barmettler’s images, the film forms a mosaic of the life of the Hopi. (Fabian Tietke)

Anka Schmid, born in Zurich in 1961. Studied at the German Film and Television Academy Berlin (DFFB) from 1984 until 1990. Moved back to Zurich in 1998. Works as a filmmaker, video artist and media teacher. Won numerous prizes and screened her films at festivals, including Locarno, Berlinale, San Francisco, Chicago, Nyon and Sundance.

Agnes Barmettler, born in 1945 in Stans, Switzerland. She is a visual artist focusing on painting and labyrinth installations in public spaces. Her work has been exhibited internationally. She received numerous awards and art prizes. Since 1979 several stays in the Hopiland.

James Danaqyumptewa, born in 1916 in Hotevilla, Hopiland (USA). Initiated priest, traditional Hopi farmer, Super 8-filmmaker, editor of the Hopi magazine „TECHQUA IKACHI“ (1967–90), fighter for the independence of the Hopi. He represented his people at the Russel Tribunal in Rotterdam, at the UNO in Geneva and at the International Court of Justice in Den Haag. He died in 1996.

Production Rachel Schmid. Production company Mano Film (Zürich, Switzerland). Directed by Anka Schmid, James Danaqyumptewa, Agnes Barmettler. Screenplay James Danaqyumptewa, Anka Schmid, Agnes Barmettler. Cinematography Anka Schmid, Jürg Walther. Editing Inge Schneider. Music Hopi traditionelle Musik. Sound design Martin Steyer. Sound Albert Gasser, Ciro Cappellari. Executive producer Rachel Schmid. With Qomahoyngma, Sewemunewa, Qomayumptewa, Quavayma, Dawangyawma, Samimano, Kuwanheynem, Danaqyumptewa.

Films

Anka Schmid (selection): 1986: Herzens-Freude (short film), Habibi – Ein Liebesbrief (short documentary). 1989: Techqua Ikachi, Land – Mein Leben / Techqua Ikachi, Land – My Life (documentary). 1991: Hinter verschlossenen Türen. 1995: Magic Matterhorn (documentary). 2000: Das Engadiner Wunder (short film). 2011: Mit dem Bauch durch die Wand (documentary). 2014: Fe-Male (short film). 2015: Wild Women – Gentle Beasts (documentary). 2016: La Dada – König Hirsch (experimental film). 2017: Haarig (animation). 2021: Wie die Kunst auf den Hund und die Katze kam (short documentary).

Agnes Barmettler: 1989: Techqua Ikachi, Land – Mein Leben / Techqua Ikachi, Land – My Life (documentary). 1997: Labyrinth-Projektionen (co-directed by Anka Schmid, short film).

James Danaqyumptewa: 1989: Techqua Ikachi, Land – Mein Leben / Techqua Ikachi, Land – My Life (documentary).

The digital restoration was made possible through the film heritage support program (FFE) financed by the Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, the states of Germany, and the German Federal Film Board (FFA).

Verleih / Distribution:
Arsenal – Institut für Film und Videokunst e.V.
Gesa Knolle, Carsten Zimmer
+49 30 269 551 50
distribution@arsenal-berlin.de

Bonus Material