Projections on Coit Tower: Alcatraz Remembered, Ohlone Returning

SAN FRANCISCO - Nov. 11, 2009 - This "Thanksgiving" Eve, a digital projection & live radio broadcast commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Native American occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969-71, prefiguring the return of Ohlone to San Francisco, will have us ask ourselves, what is indigenous? The two-night event titled, "Indigenous Renewal: Alcatraz Occupation Remembrance + Ohlone Presence Celebrated!" features regional film makers' works and archival footage from the occupation of the island in 1969. Wednesday's projections will greet people early morning Thursday as they gather at Pier 31 to board boats to Alcatraz for the annual ceremony there.

The encore 2nd screening happens on all-night Thursday evening, November 26, 2009.

LIVE Radio
An accompanying LIVE radio program is scheduled for this projection beginning at 6pm and continuing to at least 11pm, on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
 only. 

This event follows a series of projections by David Mark and Ben Wood in 2004, 2006, & 2008 highlighting the cultural heritage of the San Francisco Bay Area.

 Since 2008 the projection has combined the use of live radio broadcast with the participation of KPOO 89.5 FM and the cooperation of Neil MacLean & Mary Jean Robertson, of Voices of Native the Ohlone Profiles Project. The producers hope to "probe the many thousands of supporters to rethink San Francisco's history."

This outdoor cinematic event culminates a week of events commemorating the 40th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz Island by the Indians of All Tribes. The occupation changed American history by ending the US policy of Tribal Termination, and it also strengthened tribes across the country to stand up, including San Francisco's original inhabitants, the Ohlone. Their renewed strength brings with it the chance for San Francisco to finally do the right thing for its Native people, as so many tens of thousands demanded in 1969.

Collaborating Film Makers and Artists include:

* Alcatraz is Not an Island, James Fortier

* Rendevouz with Alcatraz, Ben Wood & David Mark

* Welcome to Ohlone Territory, Marlo Mckenzie and Neil Maclean
* 
Ohlone Families, Charlene Sul, Anthony Sul

* San Bruno Mountain, Keith Moreau and Sam Ellis Moreau
* Native America segments by Lorenzo
* 



A History of the Projection

The projection will use two 12,000 lumen projectors that will cast an illuminated moving image sequence onto the surface of the 210 foot tower from two separate vantage points, covering an area of 270 degrees from the West to the North-East portions of Coit Tower and live remote broadcast from viewing areas.

The San Francisco Department of Recreation and Parks has again issued a permit. Special thanks for cooperation with the dwellers of Telegraph Hill, particularly Julie Christiansen. Thanks to Alex Cherian of Bay Television Archive at San Francisco State University and the San Francisco Arts Commission, and Rupert of the Bay Area Community Exchange (BACE) Time Bank.

What: A digital projection & live radio broadcast commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Native American occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969-71

When: November 25th & 26th, 2009, dusk to 7am

 both nights

Where: Coit Tower, Telegraph Hill, San Francisco, CA,
(online at http://www.coitlive.com http://www.ohloneprofiles.org)


Viewable from: Pier 31, Fisherman's Wharf, Pioneer Park, Grant St. & Greenwich St, Washington Sq. Park