Once she had established a working rapport. Ferrero faced the problem of finding individuals who would speak on Hopi history and folklore. Initially, Ferrero set out to make a film about women's roles. Since land use, ceremonial roles and clan membership are passed through the mother's family line, Hopi women have economic security and unusually strong social status. Ferrero chose to look at both roles, and at the importance of corn in Hopi culture.
Planting is an act of faith.
I wondered how this tradition had stood up under the pressure to acculturate. The Grand Canyon is an hour's drive to the west. I'd say the Hopi are the most intact native American group. Still, since all native American children attend Bureau of Indian Affairs schools, the Hopi frequently struggle between the need to preserve their own ways, and the wish to explore technology and newer fashionable Anglo ways. There's a wide range of sophistication among the Hopi.