Riverside City College to Host Special Screening of Pá'Čapa Documentary on Sacred Mt. Rubidoux to kick off Native American Heritage Month

Nov 04, 2024
Pa Capa creators in front of a banner

Riverside City College (RCC) is honored to announce a special screening event for the documentary Pá'Čapa, a compelling film that explores the sacred significance of Mt. Rubidoux, a beloved Riverside landmark, through the voices of local Native American culture bearers. This important documentary highlights the Native history and spiritual importance of Mt. Rubidoux, a site that overlooks the Santa Ana River bend and attracts thousands of visitors each week.

Screening Schedule:

  • First Screening: 12:00 p.m., followed by a Q&A session with Director Rosy Aranda and Director of Photography Chris Nuñez at 12:30 p.m.
  • Second Screening: 1:15 p.m.
  • Third Screening: 2:00 p.m.

Pá'Čapa offers a Native perspective on the mountain’s historical and cultural relevance, counterbalancing the settler-colonial narratives typically associated with its monuments and plaques. By engaging with local tribal communities, the film’s creators—comprising four Native American women, including RCC’s own faculty member—seek to illuminate the cultural and spiritual narratives embedded in this historic landscape.

“We created Pá'Čapa to bring visibility to Native American stories that are often overlooked, especially in relation to places like Mt. Rubidoux that carry deep meaning for Southern California tribes,” said Rosemary Aranda, Director of Pá'Čapa. “We are excited to share this film with the RCC community and hope it serves as a powerful platform for cultural understanding and dialogue.”

Previously premiered at the UCR Arts Block’s Culver Center in downtown Riverside, Pá'Čapa was met with enthusiastic support from film students, community members, and local families. This RCC screening provides a valuable opportunity for the college community to engage with local Native heritage and support Native-led storytelling.

For more information about this event, please visit RCC’s event webpage.

About the Documentary: Pá'Čapa was directed by Rosemary Aranda, with Chris Nuñez serving as director of photography and editor. The film reflects the shared vision of Native American women committed to elevating Native stories and ensuring their histories are honored in public spaces.