The first annual Monument Valley Film Festival is announcing a call for entries to all Native American film makers. The festival will be held this July on the Navajo Nation in Kayenta, Arizona, the gateway to Monument Valley where so many popular films have been made over the decades. This year’s festival will be focusing on original films directed, produced or written by Native Americans.

The new Festival is the inspiration of Shonie and Andee De La Rosa of Sheephead Films. Three years ago, the De La Rosa’s held the very first and only film festival on the Navajo Nation at the Stars in the Desert Film Festival in Tuba City, Arizona. Because of the huge success of that event, many people have been requesting that another film festival be held on the Navajo Nation. After careful thought and planning, Shonie and Andee decided to hold this years festival in conjunction with the huge 4th of July Celebration held in Kayenta, which includes a rodeo and pow-wow. Because of the celebration in Kayenta and the thousands of tourist passing through on their way to Monument Valley and the Four Corners area attractions, attendance is expected to be quite high.

All Native film makers are encouraged to submit their original works. There is no entry fee and admission to the film festival will be free to the public. Deadline for submissions is 1 June 2007. Visit the site for details.