If you didn't know already, today is National Indigenous People's Day. The date, October 12th, will be known as a day for celebration of peoples cultures and reminder for the protection of people's rights.

In honor of this day, here are five films which feature Indigenous leads...check them out!

Roma (2018)

Roma

IMDB

Receiving many awards and accolades, Roma takes place in Mexico City in the 1970's. The story explores what it means to be a family and what it takes to get by on low wages living in the city. The film is currently on Netflix.

Boy (2010)

Boy

IMDB

Boy is another film that has received high praise. Set in the 80's on the coast of New Zealand, Boy reunites with his father after a years long disappearance. Come to find out, his father's return would bring less than great outcomes. The film was a selection at the Sundance Film Festival and has since won numerous awards.

El Abrazo de la Serpiente / The Embrace of the Serpent (2015)

Embrace of the Serpent

Letterboxd.com

This is a recent film which premiered only five years ago. The movie follows Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman, as he meets two scientists exploring the Amazon. Over time, the story unfolds to reveal discovery, betrayal, and friendship. The film is available to rent on Amazon Prime.

Smoke Signals (1998)

Smoke Signals

Variety

Smoke Signals is certainly remembered by many. Produced in 1998, this film is based on the short story "This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" which was written by the screenwriter, Sherman Alexie. The story follows two unlikely friends who must overcome loss, resentment, and confused identities. The film went on to win Best Film at the American Indian Film Festival in 1998.

Moana (2016)

Moana

Twitter

Though it isn't the most accurate depiction of living as an Indigenous person, the imaginative story of Moana takes place on the Polynesian island of Motunui. Moana, a young pacific islander sets sail to claim her own destiny. Lin-Manuel Miranda was brought in to write music for the film which features Auli'i Cravalho as the voice of Moana.