SHORT TAKES : Redford Begins Filming on Indian Land Despite Threats

A film crew started shooting the movie “The Dark Wind” on the Hopi and Navajo reservations in northern Arizona on Monday, despite threats of a blockade by leaders of a Hopi village.

The film, based on a novel by mystery writer Tony Hillerman, is set on the Hopi and Navajo reservations and includes aspects of Hopi and Navajo beliefs and customs, some of which the Hopis consider to be secret.

Leaders of the Hopi village of Shungopavi claimed after reviewing a script for the movie, which Hillerman did not write, that its portrayal of Hopi secret religious ceremonies is sacrilegious. They also say it depicts Hopis as inept, profane, murderous drug users.

Tribal officials gave permission for the movie to be filmed on the reservation, saying they had reviewed the script and had been given assurances by the production company that it would not be sacrilegious and that it would be sensitive to Hopi culture and religion.

But Shungopavi leaders claim that they were not consulted before the tribe’s Resources Committee agreed to accept $20,000 from Robert Redford’s production company in exchange for permission to film parts of the movie on the reservation.