Pow! calls to mind Pixar’s Oscar-nominated Sanjay's Super Team. Both shorts explore family, culture, generational gap, and the director’s childhood passion. For writer/director Joey Clift, it’s video games. Pow! opens with a homage to 8-bit graphics as our young Native-American protagonist is dragged to a powwow at the local gymnasium. More people outside of Indigenous communities seem to be learning about powwows through shows like Reservation Dogs and movies like Fancy Dance. Pow! fits comfortably alongside those projects, providing a slice of life in its portrayal of Indigenous people. In this case, though, it’s done with a hint of fantasy.

The 8-bit fantasy wears off as young Jake (Rainy Fields) enters the gym with an eye roll. He attempts to drown out the loud dancing and smell of fried food by immersing himself in a handheld game. At least the game is semi-Native-related, as a bear attempts to attain a juicy steak from Goomba-like pilgrim hats. Jake soon faces another objective with his battery on the edge of depletion. Despite the retro intro, Pow! clearly isn’t a period piece. Otherwise, Jake would be searching for AAs rather than a place to plug in. Unfortunately for him, there isn’t a free outlet in sight.

Jake’s life ironically becomes a video game as he dodges obstacles and sight gags. Pow! also captures the problem-solving side of video games. Sometimes, the easiest solution is in plain sight, making you feel like an idiot for not noticing it sooner. In a story like this, it’d be easy to demonize video games as a distraction from what truly matters. Pow! clearly comes from artists who live and breathe games, though, capturing the fun and frustration players regularly face. At the same time, games provide a surprising bridge between Jake and his family.   

Pow! balances Looney Tunes-esque slapstick with pathos as Jake shares a moment with his grandmother (Angela Startz). Utilizing limited animation, we’re given a glimpse of the hardships grandma faced growing up, as well as the fights she fought so her children’s children could enjoy luxuries like video games. Of course, having the freedom to celebrate your culture is also a luxury many take for granted. In addition to keeping traditions alive, Pow! Is just as much about embracing your culture in your own way. Clift and his crew, many of whom are from Indigenous backgrounds, do just that through animation.

 As a kid, Clift rarely saw Native representation in animation outside of Disney’s Pocahontas and cartoons that haven’t aged spectacularly. Weirdly enough, the best portrayals of Indigenous cultures in mainstream animation are arguably Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, both of which take place in a fictional universe. So, debatable if they count. Pow! is very much grounded in reality, though, speaking to more than one generation. While the message is poignant, the short priorities charm and creativity first. This in turn makes the final destination all the more uplifting. If Native American representation is at a turning point in animation, then Pow! might be the first level.

Pow! is playing at the Phoenix Film Festival on the following dates:

Native American Directed Shorts:
Saturday, March 29, 2025 -11:45am - 1:40pm PDT
Sunday, March 30, 2025 - 4:05pm - 6:00pm PDT
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 - 2:50pm - 4:45pm PDT

Animated Shorts:
Saturday, March 29, 2025 - 5:15pm - 6:50pm PDT
Friday, April 4, 2025 - 9:25pm - 11:00pm PDT
Saturday, April 5, 2025 - 1:35pm - 3:10pm PDT

More screening dates to be announced.