Asheville filmmaker
Chris Bower has spent almost a decade documenting
New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Indians — tribes that colorfully and fervently commemorate the mix of African-American and Native American resistance, culture and spirituality that has evolved into a stunning mix of ritual and performance.
The film documenting it all,
We Won’t Bow Down, makes its Asheville debut this week, with two showings at the
Fine Arts Theatre. The first is at 7 p.m. on Thursday June 4th and the second is at 1 p.m. on Friday the 5th.
We Won’t Bow Down is an extraordinary feat of moviemaking and cultural recognition. In a chat with Bower, we learned five facts about the film that should draw you to see it, if you can. Be sure to check out the trailer below.
1. The filmmakers listened at length before rolling tape
How did a small crew of white Asheville filmmakers get inside Mardi Gras Indian culture? By spending a couple years having conversations and learning the territory before they pressed record.
2. A photographer’s vision launched the project
Bower was drawn to the subject after seeing photos by
Steve Mann, a producer and photographer for the project who today co-owns two Asheville bars with Bower,
the Double Crown and
the Lazy Diamond.
3. More than 50 tribes now participate in Mardi Gras
By now, it’s an ingrained tradition, with its history and contemporary flourishes finally told in
We Won’t Bow Down.
4. The movie reveals secrets
Many of the rituals depicted in the film were born of a need for layers of secrecy. See the movie and you’ll know why.
5. The film’s proceeds benefit communities, including ours
The Asheville premiere shows, like previous ones, will raise money for community groups. In this case, all proceeds will go to the
Burton Street Community Peace Gardens.