Bellevue Community College hosted its sixth-annual American Indian Film Festival (AIFF) Nov. 5-7, featuring the works of 20 Indigenous directors.

The event is equal parts art, empathy, and inspiration as it features movies that range in subject matter from activism to achievement.

“We have a lot to share,” said director Christine Welsh. “There’s a huge variety of stories to tell as Native people.”

That way of thinking runs contrary to the mindset of many Indigenous youths who tend to view themselves as mere casualties, according to Makah Indian film director Sandra Osawa.

“It’s dangerous for our young kids to always see themselves as victims,” she said. “It’s important to see other images out there.”

Osawa isn’t one to forget the past, but her film “Maria Tallchief” focuses more on encouragement as the real-life story of an Indigenous woman who became America’s first prima ballerina.

“I think there’s a whole generation or two who don’t know about her,” Osawa said. “People don’t know that we (Native Americans), too, have role models. We have very talented, innovative women.”

University of Washington freshman Shanoa Pinkham could be among the up-and-coming of those ranks as a Yakama and Southern Cheyenne Indian whose documentary “Indian Education – HB 1495” played on opening night at the AIFF. Her film is about Washington state legislation that requires public schools to teach tribal history.

Attendance at the festival has risen steadily since it began in 2003, with more than 1,000 people visiting this year.

This year’s festival featured a performance by musician Joy Harjo, a Mvskoke/Creek Nation Indian artist who played songs from her latest album “Winding Through the Milky Way” with guitarist Larry Mitchell.

Many who visit the AIFF are members of Northwest Indian tribes, according to BCC faculty member Leslie Lum, who helps organize the event.

“They want to see the films and talk about the issues,” she said. “It’s like a combination of scholarly discussion and activism.”