Smoke Signals is a 1998 independent film based on the short story "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" by Sherman Alexie. The film, directed by Chris Eyre, explores the complex relationship between two young Coeur d'Alene Indian men, Victor Joseph and Thomas Builds-the-Fire, played by Adam Beach and Evan Adams, respectively.
The film's narrative centers around Victor and Thomas' journey to Phoenix, Arizona, to pick up Arnold Joseph, Victor's father's ashes after he died unexpectedly in Phoenix. Victor's father Arnold left his family many years ago and his sudden death sparked interest in Victor to reconcile with him. Thomas, a fellow reservation member, offers to lend Victor money for the trip, and the two set out on a journey that turns into an odyssey of self-discovery and re-connection.
Throughout their journey, Victor is initially dismissive of Thomas, referring to him as a "storyteller" and viewing him as a symbol of the reservation's stagnation. Thomas, on the other hand, sees himself as a guardian of cultural traditions and is highly interested in reviving the traditions of his tribe, which he believes are necessary for indigenous people to survive.
As they travel through the American West, Victor and Thomas encounter various obstacles, including a flat tire, an eccentric rental car agent, and a group of stranded college students. Along the way, they share stories of their families, learn about the meaning of forgiveness and the importance of history and cultural heritage.
In the end, the road trip brings Victor and Thomas closer together and allows them to come to terms with their pasts. The film is a nuanced and humanizing portrayal of modern Native American life, and the importance of cultural preservation and community in an era of displacement and dispossession.