The Seventh Fire

The Seventh Fire is a remarkable 2015 documentary critically admired for its introspective and honest gaze into the world of the Native American youth entangled in the vicious cycle of crime and drug addiction. Directed by Jack Riccobono, the film delves into the lives and struggles of key individuals within the Ojibwe community on the Pine Point Reservation in Minnesota. The film explores the deeply embedded systemic issues ingrained in these communities, and the manifestations of these problems that perpetuate ongoing social challenges.

This riveting docudrama centers around two irreversibly interwoven characters, Rob Brown, a forty-something convict, and Kevin Fineday Jr., a seventeen-year-old who's caught in Brown's footsteps. Robert Duane Brown convincingly embodies the character of Rob Brown, a gang leader facing his fifth stint in prison. Despite his multiple prison sentences, Rob becomes the central figure for understanding the destructive cycle of crime and drugs that continue to plague Native American communities.

The talented Kevin Fineday Jr. plays the other central character, a teenager on the verge of manhood who has started to follow in Rob’s footsteps. His character unveils the tragic predictability of the cycle, where the young in the community have limited role models and thus often tread down the ruinous path of their seniors. While Rob illustrates the regret of one who has walked that path far too long, Kevin represents the next generation, balancing on the precipice of the very same path, on the verge of making similar mistakes.

Supporting character Albino Garcia, a Florida transplant and community activist, works tirelessly to break this ominous cycle by implementing preventive measures and initiating meaningful conversations. He is portrayed as a beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak scenario, showing that change is possible and that it begins with awareness and action.

The title, "The Seventh Fire," is from an old prophecy of the Anishinaabe tribe, which foretells the coming of a seventh generation that will rise from the ashes of their ancestors' past to rediscover their cultural identity and implement socio-economic changes. This prophecy adds a layer of optimism to the otherwise bleak narrative of the film, persuading the audience to believe in the possibility of a positive change.

Jack Riccobono, the director, displays commendable storytelling abilities in this debut feature that offers audiences a penetrating and deeply emotional view of the Native American community's harsh realities. The film is not merely a narrative about crime and addiction but is more broadly a critique of the systemic issues rooted in poverty, lack of education, and cultural disruption imposed upon the Ojibwe community. Riccobono paints vividly the somber reality of broken dreams, unfulfilled potentials, and the brutal cycle of crime that passively consume and erode the community's spirit.

Visual storytelling stands out in The Seventh Fire. The cinematography is not merely an aesthetic addition but a storytelling medium itself. Shot beautifully in an observational, verite style, the film communicates the bleak realities of its subjects while also capturing the stark beauty of the Minnesota landscapes. This presents an intrinsic dichotomy of the land's natural beauty and the harsh outcomes of societal neglect.

Serene, lingering shots of the nature in Pine Point offer a silent critique of the longstanding indifference of the system towards these marginalized communities. It delivers a powerful visual narrative of loss, sorrow, and dashed dreams against the serene beauty of the reservation land. The imagery echoes the inner turmoil and unrest experienced by the main characters, supporting the narrative and creating a compelling cinematic experience.

Moreover, with Shane Slattery-Quintanilla’s editing expertise, The Seventh Fire beautifully knits together interviews, observational footages, instances from court hearings and familial interactions, depicting the stark dichotomy between the destructive human enterprise and the sanguinity of the Native American spirit. Furthermore, the score, featuring traditional Ojibwe music, anchors the film firmly in its cultural context.

In essence, The Seventh Fire provides a poignant and hard-hitting exploration of challenges facing the Native American community today through its two primary characters. It's a strikingly authentic portrayal of the harsh realities of the marginalized, their struggles, and their hopes. While the narrative is bleak, its ultimate goal is awareness, advocacy, and change, making it an important documentary for the present times.