REMAINING NATIVE is a powerhouse of a documentary, layering an already impressive runner’s journey with the horrors of the United States’ historical treatment and impact on Indigenous communities.
The film follows high-schooler Kutoven Stevens as he strives to be noticed by the University of Oregon with the ultimate goal of being recruited to their track team – as a sports doc alone, REMAINING NATIVE is impressive. Ku’s riveting dedication to running two miles in under nine minutes combined with the fact that he’s the sole member of his high school’s cross-country team, makes this a perfect underdog story.
Yet, as we find out more about Ku’s Paiute heritage and the impact that Indian Boarding Schools have had on his community, director Paige Bethmann (Haudenosaunee) weaves the more typical athletic tale with Ku’s family’s history seamlessly, adding another dimension taking the movie further into “experience now” territory.
REMAINING NATIVE is truly a triple-threat – it’ll teach you something new, inspire you to take action, and is, ultimately, a joy to watch.
REMAINING NATIVE is an official selection of the 51st Seattle International Film Festival! It is available to stream via SIFF Streaming from May 26-June 1, 2025 . Escape to the Reel World by booking your tickets at siff.net/passes!
