Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Arts Cultural Heritage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee expedites "Within the Crystal Hills" as state animated film measure despite Native American objections
Summary
The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 89, which seeks to recognize an animated short about the Old Man of the Mountain, after hearing testimony from the film’s creators and objections from indigenous representatives.
The committee voted to advance House Bill 89, a bill that would recognize the animated film Within the Crystal Hills, a reimagining of the Old Man of the Mountain, moving the measure as "expedient to legislate." The vote on the motion to advance was unanimous in committee.
Representative Joe Alexander introduced the film and said it tells a creative story about a well-known Granite State landmark and could help younger residents connect with New Hampshire history. Director Griffin D. Hansen described the production as a labor of local artists and said the film was inspired by regional folklore and historical research.
However, the New Hampshire Commission on Native American Affairs and representatives of the Abenaki community testified in opposition. Denise Pulio and Paul Pulio told the committee that indigenous narratives about the White Mountains and the Old Man have long-standing histories and that the film's storyline diverged from, and could overshadow, those indigenous accounts.
Denise Pulio said the commission "unanimously felt it really didn't uplift the history of the state in the way that we expected," and urged the committee not to elevate a single creative reinterpretation to state prominence. The commission suggested the state instead support projects that incorporate indigenous perspectives or commission films that reflect the broader historical record.
Sponsor and filmmaker said the project is not intended to replace indigenous stories, and the director said the film could inspire interest in local history. Still, commissioners and tribal representatives pressed the committee to ensure indigenous voices are centered when the state highlights state history in educational or official venues.
The committee moved the bill "expedient to legislate" and the motion passed on roll call 15–0. The bill was put on consent. Committee members said they appreciate the artistry but also noted the public comments and asked staff to record the indigenous concerns in the committee report.
