"Smoke Signals" is a 1998 independent film directed by Chris Eyre and written by Sherman Alexie, based on the short story "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" from his collection "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven." The film follows the journey of two Native American boys, Victor Joseph and Thomas Builds-the-Fire, as they travel from the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation in Idaho to Phoenix, Arizona to retrieve the ashes of Victor's father, Arnold Joseph, who had died in a house fire.
Victor and Thomas have a complicated relationship. Victor resents Thomas for being a constant reminder of the tragic events of his childhood, including the death of his mother and the abandonment of his father. Thomas, on the other hand, sees Victor as a hero and looks up to him. Despite their differences, the two boys are forced to rely on each other as they make the journey to Phoenix.
Along the way, they encounter a number of challenges, including financial difficulties and racial prejudice. They also encounter a number of colorful characters, including a hitchhiking veteran and a group of hippies, who help them on their journey and teach them valuable lessons about life and identity.
One of the themes of the film is the importance of storytelling and the role it plays in preserving and passing on cultural traditions. Thomas is a skilled storyteller and uses his gift to help Victor understand his past and come to terms with his father's actions.
"Smoke Signals" is a powerful and poignant coming-of-age story that explores themes of family, identity, and forgiveness. It showcases the struggles and triumphs of Native American life and offers a unique perspective on the complexities of being a minority in America.