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Medici Mondays: David Aberle

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Sunday, October 20, 2024
College of Fine Arts, School of Theatre, Film & Television

David Aberle continued work on completing his innovative Indigenous sci-fi short film, thanks to support from the College of Fine Arts Medici Circle.

Aberle (Diné/Navajo), a junior pursuing a BFA in Film & Television at the School of Theatre, Film & Television, is directing “Guardians of the Sacred Flame,” a short film blending traditional Indigenous philosophies with a Star Wars-inspired world, set in Navajo language, Diné Bizaad. The Medici funding helped covered the costs for costumes, securing locations, and other preproduction expenses.

In addition to majoring in Film & Television, Aberle is minoring in business administration from Eller College of Management and is a member of the W.A. Franke Honors College.

Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.

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Aberle works two part-time jobs, serves as a cultural leader and knowledge keeper and owns a multimedia production company. And he’s a father. He and his wife April have a son, Makoah Thunderbear Aberle.

“The experience of creating “Guardians of the Sacred Flame” has been incredibly enriching, allowing me to delve deeper into my cultural heritage and exploring what it means to preserve and acknowledge our ancestral lifeways.

“I developed my skills in filmmaking, storytelling, and producing a project that was on a larger scale than your average student film. I came across obstacles that forced me to think outside the box– all of which were invaluable experiences that couldn’t be taught in a classroom setting.”

The film depicts a quest for a pair of Guardians to reconnect with the spiritual realms at a recently desecrated sacred site. The duo is pursued by an assassin determined to end their ancient ways.

“This project has reinforced my belief in the power of film as a tool for cultural preservation and has strengthened my connection to my community.”

Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.

Official trailer #1 of “Guardians of the Sacred Flame”

Medici Circle Appreciation

“Dear Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino, your generous support is instrumental in advancing my academic journey and my work as an Indigenous content creator. Your support is enabling me to explore and innovate new ways to maintain and celebrate our ancestral lifeways through the medium of film. I am deeply grateful for the Medici Scholar award.”

Previously on “Medici Mondays”