Conversion (2007) (Sundance Shorts 2007: Drama)

Short. Conversion is a Master of Fine Arts project filmed on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico (in Navajo with English subtitles). As a short film, it is rudimentary and diffuse -- as if a grad student produced a National Geographic documentary from the 1950s -- and takes on (but only implicitly) the issue of Protestant missionaries "interfering" with Navajo religious culture. (Their spiritual guidance apparently causes a death.) Conversion yields food for thought -- but it's a lightweight buffet. The calories exist to sustain a modicum of thought and discussion -- but like any church potluck dinner, it's up to you to bring something to the table and then to fill your own plate. IW. 9 min (including 2 min of credits). 3 stars.