Aanikoobijigan

A colourful pop-art journey through the world of North American Indigenous peoples. Russian premiere as part of the Collective Cinema Festival.

Aanikoobijigan [ancestor/great-grandparent/great-grandchild]
2026, Adam Khalil, Zach Khalil

United State—Denmark
85 minutes, English with Russian subtitles

Documentary

“What’s the difference between an archaeologist and a grave robber? A degree,” quips an elder from one of North America’s Indigenous tribes. The joke is funny, but there is a poignant subtext. For centuries, the remains of many Cherokee, Ojibwe, Lakota and other Indigenous peoples have been held in various museums—and for several decades now, their descendants have been trying to reclaim them for reburial. According to Native American beliefs, ancestors buried properly remain in this world, sharing in and easing sorrows and joys of their loved ones.

Still from Aanikoobijigan, 2026

At under ninety minutes, Aanikoobijigan packs a punch, and it’s largely because it isn’t afraid to skewer or question with conviction.

— Zachary Lee, RogerEbert.com

The Khalil brothers begin with a story about MACPRA, the organisation that rescues the remains of Indigenous people from various institutions. Then, through editing, experimental animation, and hallucinatory special effects, the filmmakers immerse the viewer in the spiritual universe of North America’s First Nations.