Run in beauty: ALEX
For Indigenous peoples, running has been key not only as a means of prayer and connection, but to deliver messages to neighboring communities, trade routes, a tactic in hunting their prey to exhaustion, ceremony, and welcoming your womanhood, as a Navajo woman. Diné coming of age ceremony for many young women begins with a morning run to the East to welcome the sunrise.
Alex Staten grew up disconnected from her Indigenous culture back on Navajo Nation. She struggles to find connection. Her only connection is her grandmother, with the clock ticking, it’s motivated Alex to gain all the knowledge she can from her matriarch to keep her culture close and to pass on to the next generations. She is trying to find the right to run in ceremony, as an Indigenous - Diné (Navajo) woman. The right to run for her culture, fostering this deeper connection to her family and community and to run in beauty.
Through On’s support, Rising Hearts is able to support Alex in her running journey to find that deeper connection to her culture and Indigeneity.
IN POST PRODUCTION - LOOKING TO PREMIERE in November 2025, Portland, OR.
#RightToRun #RunningOnNativeLands #Kinship
Running as A PLATFORM FOR awareness + ACTION
Amplify + Support:
For every story we help to uplift, we uplift the call for support of heart working organizations, individuals, and/or groups that community can learn more about and support. Take this opportunity to learn more about the organizations and communities Alex has identified and we ask that you consider making a donation to support their heart work.
+ Native Women Running: www.nativewomenrunning.com
+ Rising Hearts: www.risinghearts.org
+ Washoe Tribe of NV and CA: https://washoetribe.us/
+ Nisenan Tribe - Nevada City Rancheria Restoration: https://nevadacityrancheria.org/
WATCH RUN IN BEAUTY: ALEX
PUBLIC SCREENINGS:
Washington DC | TBD
Harrisonburg VA | TBD
Charlottesville VA | TBD
Nashville TN | TBD
Film Festivals Submitted:
1.) Indie Short Film Festival
2.) Trail Running Film Festival
3.) Kendal Mountain
4.) Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival