Trudell is a doc on John Trudell, the Native American activist, poet, recording artist & sometimes actor. Salutary in the extreme, we come to know him, his myth & his politics but the filmmakers support of the man comes at the expense of objectivity that a good documentary demands. Brilliant man, flawed presentation.

Heather Rae, the director and producer, poured herself into this movie, compiling over a decade of research and interviews about John Trudell. As a fan of Trudell's, I have waited a long time for someone to put the puzzling pieces of his life together--a daunting task for anyone to tackle. The Movie gives us a glimpse into his powerful past and how through his writing, he survived the terrible losses of his wife, children, and close friends. There is, no doubt, a mystery that surrounds the one and only Graffiti Man, but thanks to the archived footage, news stories and broadcasts from the 1960s and 1970s, coupled with photos and interviews of Trudell and the people who know him, we learn what compels the activist/artist/actor to create. The historic scenes depicting Trudell's involvement with the American Indian Movement and his remembrance of his wife, Tina, are just a few of the frames that are overlaid with the poetry of Trudell, the guitars of Jessie Ed Davis and Mark Shark, and the traditional singing of Quiltman. Everything you always wanted to know about Trudell, but were afraid to ask--the answers are right here!

I think Trudell was one of the best movies I have seen as far as true life . The man speaks from the heart and his intelligence of things to come have been so right on the money.I have followed John for many many years in his music and his poetry.I have gone to many of his readings in California to the films debut in Colorado, and then again in North Carolina. I think he is highly Intelligent and a very gifted man. He speaks from the heart, and moves your soul and mind to think. I will see it again if the chance arises, and will purchase it should it ever be released .I took several of my friends who had never heard John, and both came out of the theater looking as if they had been struck with lightening .They understood what I had talked about for years when I spoke of him or they heard his music.They have become true John fans.And I must agree with them.

How to describe Trudell? He defies categorization and labels. He is simultaneously a leader, poet and prophet. His wisdom transcends the decades and even the centuries. His words give clarity to the problems of living under the dominant culture. Heather Rae's superb film illustrates Trudell's message in a memorable and experiential way. Those in the activist community should see this film to gain an even broader perspective. From his days broadcasting "Radio Free Alcatraz" on KPFA to his concerts performing "Bombs Over Baghdad," he gives voice to resistance to oppression and the need to honor the earth, lessons we sorely need to learn in this day and age of global climate change and petrocollapse.