Still image from Seminole Indians in Movie Makers, Dec. 1950, 446.
English
700 ft
16mm
Ansco Color
Silent
With music on disc.
"Florida's colorful Seminole Indians, who never have taken kindly to the white man's rule, generally are no more responsive to visiting filmers. Thus it is a rare and rewarding pleasure when an understanding amateur cameraman gains both their confidence and their cooperation. Such is the stimulating accomplishment of Elmer W. Albinson in his picture called simply Seminole Indians. Among the film's outstanding achievements are its detailed studies of the Indians' arts and crafts, its exceptional work in ultra closeups, and its pictorial probing of the Indian character and customs. An extraordinarily good musical score enhances the appeal of this informative ethnic documentary. The picture needs, however, a somewhat stronger ending, the present one impressing these reviewers as artistically indecisive." Movie Makers, Dec. 1950, 466.
This film is a part of the Elmer Albinson Film Collection held by the Minnesota Historical Society.
Discussed by Albinson in "Take It Easy With Indians!" (Movie Makers, Feb. 1951, 48-49, 65). In the article, the filmmaker describes his respectful approach to filming indigenous peoples. Film stills are shown.
The film won second prize in a Minneapolis Cine Club film contest in 1949 (Home Movies, Aug. 1949, 435).
Elmer Albinson Film Collection, Minnesota Historical Society
Amateur Cinema