The Return of the Buffalo
Synopsis
The ‘Indians of All Tribes’ group occupied Alcatraz prison, which closed in 1963, from 1969 to 1971 in order to build a cultural and educational center. When Söderquist visited the island in 1970, the occupants had built up a functioning society with jobs, family life and schools. The text ‘Indian America Land’ was posted on the outside of a building. In a voice-over, school teacher Bob Bradley discusses political inequality, social problems and the difficult situation for the Native American population in the USA, as well as the background for the occupation. The Return of the Buffalo is a stylized and unique documentary (the only filmed material from the occupation), a black-and-white depiction in which architecture, former prison buildings, politics, music and dance are interwoven with local radio, conversations and discussions into a focused whole. The film became the starting point for Söderquist’s Alcatraz – The Return (2013).
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Claes Söderquist
- Original Title
- The Return of the Buffalo
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 19m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Claes Söderquist
Department Leadership Roster
Claes Söderquist
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Return of the Buffalo.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Return of the Buffalo
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Return of the Buffalo about?
The ‘Indians of All Tribes’ group occupied Alcatraz prison, which closed in 1963, from 1969 to 1971 in order to build a cultural and educational center. When Söderquist visited the island in 1970, the occupants had built up a functioning society with jobs, family life and schools. The text ‘Indian America Land’ was posted on the outside of a building. In a voice-over, school teacher Bob Bradley discusses political inequality, social problems and the difficult situation for the Native American population in the USA, as well as the background for the occupation. The Return of the Buffalo is a stylized and unique documentary (the only filmed material from the occupation), a black-and-white depiction in which architecture, former prison buildings, politics, music and dance are interwoven with local radio, conversations and discussions into a focused whole. The film became the starting point for Söderquist’s Alcatraz – The Return (2013).
Who directed The Return of the Buffalo?
The Return of the Buffalo was directed by Claes Söderquist.
Who stars in The Return of the Buffalo?
The principal cast of The Return of the Buffalo includes Not specified.
When was The Return of the Buffalo released and how long is it?
The Return of the Buffalo was released in 2012 with a total runtime of 19m.