In the new documentary “Free Leonard Peltier,” directed by Jesse Short Bull and David France, Native activist Nick Tilsen praises Leonard Peltier’s sense of humor. However, there is a note of concern about Peltier’s edgy sensibility. Tilsen jokes about the possibility of Peltier being “canceled” after spending nearly 50 years in prison.
The film fails to fully capture Peltier’s personality, portraying him more as an idea and a cause rather than a person. This lack of depth in character exploration raises questions about the documentary’s focus and approach. While the film recounts the long struggle to release Peltier from prison, it lacks the compelling storytelling that could have made it more engaging.
“Free Leonard Peltier” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival shortly after President Joe Biden commuted Peltier’s sentence from life in prison to indefinite house arrest. Despite the timeliness of the film, it falls short in addressing the new questions raised by recent developments in Peltier’s case.
The documentary spends a significant amount of time reciting the details of the 1975 standoff at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation without delving deeper into the context and complexities of the situation. While the inclusion of old interviews and AI recreations attempts to enhance the storytelling, they add little value to the overall narrative.
Additionally, certain facts about Peltier’s case are omitted or downplayed, contributing to a skewed portrayal of the injustice he faced. The film highlights the tradition of erasure and the ongoing efforts to seek justice for Peltier but fails to provide a comprehensive analysis of the situation.
The most impactful aspect of the documentary is the portrayal of current Native activists working to support Peltier during his parole hearing and transition to house arrest. This depiction of multigenerational advocacy adds a fresh perspective to Peltier’s story and creates a sense of connection between past and present struggles.
While “Free Leonard Peltier” offers an exclusive look at the events surrounding Biden’s decision, it falls short in addressing the implications of Peltier’s house arrest rather than a full pardon. The documentary ends on a celebratory note without fully exploring the concept of justice in Peltier’s life.
Overall, the film’s Sundance premiere may have increased its visibility but did not improve its quality. Despite the film’s ties to Robert Redford and previous documentaries on Peltier, it fails to deliver a comprehensive and insightful portrayal of this important story.