This is the story of Dennis Bank

This is the story of Dennis Banks and his movement; it begins with the Longest Walk of 1978, a widely broadcasted Native American Cross Continental Walk. Banks, Anishinabe, is the co-founder of American Indian Movement (A.I.M.), and a world political and spiritual figure mostly known for his involvement during the Wounded Knee Occupation in 1973.

Directed by Marie-Michele Jasmin-Belisle, a young filmmaker who followed Dennis on the Longest Walk 2 in 2008 and on to Japan twice, the film explores the life of Banks through the years of peace that followed the heightened political years of A.I.M. in the 1970s. The film was produced by Takeo Koshikawa, a longtime friend of Dennis who was on the original Longest Walk and has worked for peace and cultural revitalization with the Native leader ever since.

The film explores the other sides of Nowa Cumig (meaning "In the Center", Dennis' Indian name): the spiritual teacher, the humanitarian, the singer, the grandfather, and the peace activist.

The film tells the story of his friendship with Buddhist leaders, actors and militants, and their ensuing lifelong partnerships in peace walks and runs around the world. It tells the story of three Longest Walks & thirtheen Sacred Runs, from 1978 to 2011. It tells the story of the Hopi Prophecy, of indigenous resistance to nuclear power, and of the duty we now have to shift our needs towards cleaner, sustainable energy sources, as the struggle for survival for Mother Earth intensifies for all people. It tells the story of those whose lives were changed by the beat of Dennisʼ drum; it tells the story of a people whose drum will never stop.

All Life is Sacred

Director Marie-Michèle Jasmin-Bélisle, Producer Takeo Koshikawa

Approx. 60 minutes, HDV