Outside the Box [Office], Pechanga Studios, and Picture Motion,
invite you and a guest to attend

A Special Indigenous Peoples' Day Screening of

PEOPLE OF THE WEST

A groundbreaking documentary series that brings to light
the authentic history of Native Californians

Featuring screenings of:
Episode 7: The American Dream & Episode 8: Red Power
Total running time: 133 minutes

All episodes are independent stories and
do not require viewers to have seen Episodes 1 - 6

Created & Executive Produced by SCA Alumnus Brad Munoa

Followed by a Q&A with Brad Munoa

7:00 P.M. on Monday, October 12th, 2026

The Eileen Norris Cinema Theater at the Frank Sinatra Hall
3507 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089

FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVPs REQUIRED.

FOOD AND DRINKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE AUDITORIUM.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

About People of the West

People of the West is a groundbreaking documentary series that brings to light the authentic history of Native Californians, challenging conventional narratives and revealing stories that have been overlooked for generations.

Through intimate interviews, archival footage, and stunning cinematography, this series explores the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and ongoing struggles of California’s indigenous communities.

Each episode delves deep into different aspects of Native Californian life, from traditional practices and spiritual beliefs to contemporary challenges and triumphs in the modern world.

Provided courtesy of Pechange Studios. 

https://peopleofthewest.org/

About Episode 7 - The American Dream

A Chumash family uprooted by federal Termination policy trades reservation life for 1950s Los Angeles, chasing the promise of the American Dream. War veteran Robert wrestles with pride in his service and the shame carved by assimilation, while his wife Deb fights to keep language and ceremony alive. Their son Teddy grows up between Hollywood myth and lived reality, absorbing the emotional cost of erasure. Interwoven with powerful testimony from Native veterans and their families, and punctuated by striking mid-century film archive, this chapter reveals the emotional battleground of identity in an America that demands assimilation.

Running time: 63 minutes.

About Episode 8 - Red Power

In the ashes of San Francisco’s American Indian Center, a new generation rises. Mohawk activist Richard Oakes and student leader LaNada War Jack rally Native voices from across the nation to reclaim Alcatraz Island, transforming a former prison into a global symbol of sovereignty. As the Indians of All Tribes occupation captures the world’s attention, unity and defiance collide with loss and fracture. Through intimate interviews with LaNada and fellow occupiers, and a trove of rarely seen archival footage, this chapter immerses viewers in the birth of Red Power, a movement that forever reshaped Native activism and declared to America that Indigenous nations are still here, and always will be.

Running time: 70 minutes.

About the Guest

BRAD MUNOA (Creator, Executive Producer, SCA Alumnus)

Brad Munoa is a writer, director, and producer, and the Director of Pechanga Studios in Temecula, California. Raised on the Pechanga Reservation, he is an enrolled member of the Pechanga Band of Indians and a member of the Tosoval clan. A graduate of the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, he has dedicated his career to building cinematic platforms for Native storytelling.

He wrote and directed Pechaangayam, a documentary chronicling the history of the Pechanga Band from early reservation life to the present day. He later directed his first feature documentary, The Mountain That Weeps, which followed a seven year effort to protect Wexewxi Pu'eska, a sacred mountain of the Payomkawichum.

He was selected as a fellow for the Native American Media Alliance Unscripted Workshop, where he further developed and refined the series concept for People of the West with leading Native filmmakers.

As the creator and executive producer of People of the West, Brad conceived the series, assembled its creative leadership, secured its support, and led its development from initial vision through completion. Over five years, he directed its creative trajectory, oversaw historical research, shaped the narrative architecture, and supervised production across all phases of the project. Working closely with the showrunner and directing team, he ensured the series remained culturally grounded and aligned with its original vision.

Brad views storytelling as both cultural responsibility and creative calling. His work preserves culture, confronts historical erasure, and brings long overlooked Indigenous histories into the light for future generations.

About Outside the Box [Office]

Outside the Box [Office] is a weekly showcase for upcoming releases highlighting world cinema, documentary and independent film titles. The series draws from around the globe to present movies that may challenge, inspire or simply entertain.

To view the calendar of screenings, click here

To SUBSCRIBE to our MAILING LIST for upcoming free screenings and events, e-mail the word "Subscribe" to: aago@cinema.usc.edu

Check-In & Reservations

This program is open to all eligible individuals. The USC School of Cinematic Arts operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

This screening is free of charge and open to the public. A reservation confirmation will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Doors will open at 6:30 P.M.

All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.

Accessibility Needs

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Alessandro Ago, Assistant Dean, Programming and Special Events, at aago@cinema.usc.edu or 213-740-2330. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least seven days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

Parking

On-campus parking at the University of Southern California is limited. We recommend buying a day pass for the Royal Street Structure, located at the intersection of Royal Street and W. Jefferson Blvd. Parking passes are $20/car. For more information about parking at USC, please visit USC Transportation Website:

https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/daily-and-hourly-parking/
https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/about-us/entrance-hours/