The Center of Southwest Studies is pleased to host a presentation in the Lyceum by Manuelito "Manny" Wheeler (Diné), former director of the Navajo Nation Museum, about the creative process and multi-year journey of bringing to life Star Wars: A New Hope (Anaa': Siih Náhásdlii), which is the first major motion picture ever to have been translated into the Navajo language. For 16 years Manny reached out to LucasFilms before finally receiving a response in 2012 and the eventual "green light" to move forward with the translation project that features the talents of nearly 70 Diné voice actors.

7:30 PM - Enjoy a movie night under the stars with the classic hero's epic of a young farm boy who intercepts a distress call from Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan. This special screening of Star Wars: A New Hope (S??tah Anaa?: Siih Náhásdl??) has been translated into the Navajo language with English subtitles.

Both the pre-screening presentation with Manuelito Wheeler and film are free and open to the public. Movie-goers can also stop into the Center of Southwest Studies' gallery for a final viewing of the critically acclaimed exhibition, "THE RETURN OF THE FORCE," which explores the significant influence the Star Wars movies have had on contemporary Native artists through an innovative collection of work that addresses themes such as resistance, place, belonging, and Indigenous knowledge. THE RETURN OF THE FORCE officially closes on Friday, September 27.