The Navajo Nation and the Arizona Commerce Authority has announced a new partnership to promote the Navajo Nation as a major international film and media destination. The partnership aims to build a foundation of generational opportunities in the film and media industry. The agreement signed July 23, by Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority and Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez emphasizes both entities’ shared vision to more fully capitalize on Arizona’s unique film and media attractiveness. “We look forward to developing a new and structured film and media opportunity for our Navajo Nation, including our fellow Arizonians,” said Edsel Pete, Program Manager of Navajo Nation TV & Film. “It is a great endeavor to develop a thriving film and media industry that will provide economic, workforce and training opportunities. Collectively, we have taken tremendous strides in this development, as we have all respectively taken on roles as the designers, engineers, architects, and facilitators in making this a success. The precise building of this yellow brick road will be of great benefit for generations to come.” Efforts outlined in the agreement include developing marketing strategies and activities, public relations campaigns, implementing training and employment opportunities in film and digital media production, creating a shared talent and production database, and promoting respective infrastructure and resources. “We’re thrilled to work with the Navajo Nation to elevate the film and media industry in Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “This MOU (memorandum of understanding) is the foundation of a long-term partnership that will advance Arizona’s international attractiveness for film and media production. We are grateful to President Nez and the Navajo Nation for their partnership, for graciously allowing filmmakers to create on Navajo land, and for their commitment to increase workforce opportunities in the Navajo Nation and statewide.” The MOU serves as a guide for the parties as film and media partners in a collaborative effort to renew economic, workforce, and training opportunities on the Navajo Nation and in the State of Arizona. In addition, the MOU provides an opportunity for both parties to define avenues to overcome the economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Navajo Nation is home to countless stunning landscapes rarely seen in television and film — until now,” said Matthew Earl Jones, director of Film & Digital Media, Arizona Commerce Authority. “We are excited to partner with Navajo Nation TV & Film to present these diverse locations to filmmakers in Arizona and nationally that highlight the unique culture of the Navajo Nation.” Since 1913, more than 5,000 films and TV shows have been filmed in Arizona. This MOU signing between the Navajo Nation and the Arizona Commerce Authority cements both parties’ commitment to advance the growing film industry in the state. Arizona’s film landscape has been developed through comprehensive university and community college film programs, statewide film festivals and an increase in full-service production companies.
