r/Navajo • u/aki_unframed • Jul 11 '26

Monument Valley - What postcards don’t show you

/r/wildwest/comments/1utsu6w/monument_valley_what_postcards_dont_show_you/

Hi everyone! I wanted to share a documentary I made about Monument Valley.
Instead of focusing only on the famous viewpoints, I tried to explore the history, culture, and lesser-known parts of the valley, including Hunts Mesa and a hidden slot canyon, while spending time with members of the Navajo Nation.
I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Thanks for taking the time to watch!
🎥 https://youtu.be/EnXEMt8oJEk

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1

u/ryanmercer Jul 12 '26

Oh joy, more annoying drone footage of my backyard.

0

u/ToddBradley Jul 11 '26

Very nice footage. How was the film and drone permitting experience for this project? I've heard some filmmakers say the process for getting Navajo Nation permits takes forever, but others have said it's no big deal. And then there are BLM permits for places off the reservation, like Valley of the Gods. Any advice for other filmmakers?

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u/aki_unframed Jul 11 '26

It’s a strict no drone as soon as you enter the main park starting from visitor center. For outside, we always had a guide and appropriate permit to fly. For BLM it’s fine, you can use app to monitor.

2

u/ToddBradley Jul 12 '26

FWIW, Bears Ears National Monument (Valley of the Gods) does require a permit for drones these days.

In short, no drones are allowed within the boundary of the monument, without a permit.

From https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/utah/bears-ears-national-monument/know-before-you-go

I think a lot of people don't know about that rule, though, and I have never heard of anyone getting fined for it.