Hearing Radmilla (2003)

Overview

Growing up in Navajo Nation, Radmilla Cody was tormented by others due to her mixed Native- and African-American heritage. In her early twenties, Cody entered the Miss Navajo Nation competition, showcasing her fluency in Diné and expertise in traditional Navajo skills. Her election as the first bi-racial Miss Navajo Nation was fraught with controversy. A few years later an abusive relationship with a drug dealer led to her indictment in federal court. Documentary filmmaker Angela Webb follows Cody as she overcomes adversity and eventually finds solace through music.