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40-MINUTES
Photo (c) Ilka Hartmann
On November 20, 1969 a group of Native Americans landed on Alcatraz Island and named it their own. They stayed for nineteen months. While the media reported every move, and the government fought to stop them, families moved in, thousands of supporters came in or sent supplies, and drums beat far into the night.
After centuries of seeing their land stolen from them, Native Americans seized the rocky island and held on to it. Alcatraz became a symbol of hope, inspiration and change for Indian people everywhere.
In this film, Adam Fortunate Eagle, the principal organizer of the occupation, gives a passionate and humorous personal account of this exciting event that changed Indian history—and American history— forever.
This documentary is a perfect introduction for those with little or no knowledge of the Alcatraz occupation.
CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY SCREENING, SAN FRANCISCO
John Ferry and Grace De Soto Ferry standing, left, behind the podium introducing the film.
We are honored that THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY screened Taking Alcatraz on Thursday June 15, 2017 in San Francisco. Following the showing there was a panel discussion with photographer Ilka Hartmann who photographed at Alcatraz, Sacheen Littlefeather one of the occupiers, Alan Harrison who was on the Island as a little boy, Eloy Martinez who was one of the orginal occupiers, Dr. Larry Brilliant who volunteered with medical needs, and Mary Crowley who, at 18, took so many people and supplies to the island on borrowed or rented boats. The film was well received and the panel discussion was outstanding and informative. The room overflowed with over 130 in the audience. Unfortunately, some people had to be turned away.