The film - "Vanishing Voices: The Life of Alex Seowtewa" - is about Zuni artist Alex Seowtewa, known as the "Michelangelo of the Southwest," and his efforts to preserve the Native American culture.

Since the 1970s, Coffin, who is the director of center programs and international field studies at the Marshall E. Rinker Sr. Center for International Programs, has been taking students on an annual field trip to the Southwest to learn about issues facing Native American groups in Arizona and New Mexico.

During one of these trips, he met Seowtewa and, since then, has developed a lasting friendship. He invited Seowtewa to Indiana to give presentations at Ball State, Indiana University and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis.

Recently, Seowtewa was contacted by film producers about the documentary, and he requested Coffin participate in the film, which was narrated by actor Peter Coyote.

Coffin helped write the script and had an on-camera role explaining why ceremonial figures are depicted on church walls.

"This project is why we travel and lead field trips with our students. We go to these places to establish personal contacts that lead to long-term relationships, which lead to scholarly opportunities," he said. "Hopefully my experience can be a role model for both faculty and students who want to provide immersive opportunities for themselves and others."

For more information, contact Coffin at (765) 285-5422.

By Kim Jackson