Doctober 2024 debuts with film about Indigenous influence on Western culture, identity

For movie buffs in Bellingham, fall is synonymous with Doctober, a monthlong documentary festival at the Pickford Film Center. Its 17th annual installment begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 with the West Coast premiere of “Red Fever,” according to a Wednesday, Aug. 21 news release.

In “Red Fever,” Cree co-director Neil Diamond explores the “profound yet hidden Indigenous influence on Western culture and identity.” He aims to learn why the world is fascinated with stereotypical depictions of Native Americans — and the truths uncovered are “so buried in history that even most Native people don’t know about them.”

Doctober runs Oct. 3–27 this year and includes more than 35 different nonfiction films. A full lineup will be announced Sept. 6. Ticket presale begins Sept. 13 for members, then opens to the public Sept. 20. 

Tickets to “Red Fever” also include admission to a Doctober opening night party at the Spark Museum, located next to the Pickford’s Bay Street theater. For more information, visit pickfordfilmcenter.org.

Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.