Smoke Signals

Chris Eyre, 1998 (8*)

Sundance Audience Award

Terrific all Native American comedy that takes place on a Montana or Idaho reservation. The story becomes a road trip when Victor (Adam Beach) must get to Arizona to collect the cremated remains of his estranged father. This is a funny and heartwarming tale about friendship, that is also offbeat and unique enough to remain interesting. Look for Elaine Miles, the Eskimo receptionist on Northern Exposure, as a woman whose car only goes in reverse, so she's always driving backwards, which has to be a metaphor for something! Adapted from Sherman Alexie's short stories.