ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – A familiar movie returned to theaters on Friday for a new audience.

After more than a year in the making, the Navajo version of “Finding Nemo” opened in select theaters, including in Albuquerque.

That is where KRQE News 13 caught up with the voice of Nemo, 12-year-old Quenton Kien.

“I just wanted to do this movie just to get my native language out,” he said.

“He honors his elders, and I think that’s what we want many of the young kids to do as well,” said Joe Kee.

The UNM-Gallup associate professor helped translate the movie in an effort to keep alive what some worry is a dying language.

“Many of the voice actors lack the skill of reading and writing Navajo language,” he said.

Quenton’s sister said seeing it come together on the big screen was amazing.

“I was emotional,” said Shawna Nez. “I couldn’t even describe, I just kept looking at my little brother and I had tears in my eyes because I was so proud of him,”

Quenton is proud too, but he’s not looking for any extra attention.

“I’m trying to keep myself under cover,” he said.

Moments after he said he thinks it’s working, Quenton had to step away from our camera to step in front of another one for moviegoers who wanted a picture with him.

Then, he was back on his way to show his nieces the movie, inspiring the young to celebrate their old Navajo language.

Free showings are playing through Thursday at Century Rio in Albuquerque near I-25 and Jefferson.

The movie is also playing in Gallup and Farmington.

“Finding Nemo” is the second major motion picture translated into Navajo after “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.”