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Native Film Talk — Film Reviews
Native Film Talk

Hello! Welcome to Native Film Talk! The purpose of this podcast is to explore Native representation in film from the perspective of a Native, me. Native American representation in film is as old as the film industry itself, so there is a plethora of content available for review. I plan to watch movies, tv shows, and documentaries from the old westerns, i.e. The Searchers, The Outlaw Josey Wales, to more modern box office hits, Wind River, Hostiles, Magnificent Seven. Also I’d like to explore film that are from the Native perspective, i.e. Smoke Signals, Skins, Indian Horse, The Fast Runner. During this journey I will do research and dedicate an episode per film. I hope on this journey to gain a better understanding of what appropriate representation means to me. I realize my palate will change through the course of this podcast and I hope yours does as well!
Overall, the image of the Native American in film has changed in a lot of ways, in others it has not. There have been attempts to mature from the stoic indian, noble savage, and white savior but we also see modern instanaces where those stereotypes continue to be perpetuated. Also there is encouraging signs that we are heading in the right direction, with movies like Indian Horse, that recant accurate experiences of Native people in history. Also tv shows like Molly From Denali that show a positive image of native people on television while being accurate to the tribe being represented in the show. I’m excited for this journey and hopefully will have some great guests join me along the way. Thank you and happy listening!

Latest Episodes:

Reservation Dogs Episode 3 Sep 14, 2021

Show notes

Let's run away together and live off the land...let's get some Sonics!

Episode 3 brought us talk about shapeshifters, bad medicine, Sonics, legendary knockout stories, and reconnecting with our kin.

Listen as I discuss the show's subtle humor it brings, so hard. Also how I'm worried this is going to be stolen by other people who see how much attention this show is getting. Last, hear me wrap up my thoughts about the show thus far.

I hope you all enjoy this awesome episode that brought us Gary Farmer as Uncle Brownie. Have a great one everybody!

Reservation Dogs Episode 2 Sep 04, 2021

Show notes

Hi there everybody!

Episode 2 brings us to the IHS clinic, of all places. I discuss how this is something I didn't know I needed, real life interactions at the clinic. It's such a random place where you can meet elders, family members, and maybe find love.

Reservation Dogs continue to set the bar on Native representation in TV and the hits keep coming with each episode.

Let me know what you think and look out for episode 3 coming soon!

Reservation Dogs Episode 1 Aug 31, 2021

Show notes

Aho Young Warrior!

I decided to do a mini season the show. The next eight episodes will be dedicated to the show. All other work feels like table scraps right now. I can't help but find myself only consuming this show and I want to talk about it.

I love this show, the representation is so authentic it should have it's own enrollment card. I can't believe this show exists, so I had to take the time to talk about the show and why it's so awesome.

Reservation Dogs Reaction and News Update Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

Not a spoiler alert!

I give a quick reaction to the first two episodes of Reservation Dogs being dropped on Hulu! It was so good, I discuss how next level it is and why I'm so excited for the rest of the season to air! Can't wait.

I also bring up happenings with Spirit Rangers (Netflix), Dexter: New Blood, Rezball being produced by Lebron James, Avatar: The Last Airbender live action TV Show, Dark Winds TV Show, Killers of the Flower Moon, The Ice Road, Rutherford Falls Season 2, and Grey's Anatomy.

I had fun offloading these news bits and I look forward to doing this more in the future. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Angelique Midthunder Jul 30, 2021

Show notes

I had a wonderful chat with Angelique Midthunder and Stacey Rice, both of whom work for Midthunder Casting. A casting agency that has a particular eye for Native talent. A primary focus of their work is casting Native actors so naturally we talk about how hard it is to find Native talent, is it hard to spot a Pretendian, what is the outlook like for Native film/TV?

Also we discuss Angelique's journey in the film industry and her experience in casting/consulting. AND we discuss the upcoming show Reservation Dogs, which comes out on August 9th, and Midthunder Casting worked with Director Sterlin Harjo to find Native talent for that show! I had a wonderful chat with Angelique and Stacey. Check it out!

Basketball & Sports Representation Jul 22, 2021

Show notes

We don't see enough of ourselves in sports film and television. So I talk Basketball or Nothing (2019), Edge of America, Chiefs (2002), Off The Rez (Shoni Schimmel), and Smoke Signals.

Also I discuss why sports are so important to us as Natives. In addition our history with sports and how it was introduced to use through boarding/residential schools. Playing sports was no doubt a way to survive in these schools and provides hope to our communities. Hope that we can be better each year and come out victorious. There is so much to tell regarding sports in our communities...so where are all the movies/TV!?

That's what I finish off discussing, why we don't see enough sports movies with Natives in it and/or about Native people. Sports are massive in our communities, with no preference to support either gender, just lovers of the talent that our community is putting out there. We've been in this "Us vs. Them" battle for so long, let's tell THAT story!

Majerle Lister (Host of Wósdéé Podcast) Jul 03, 2021

Show notes

I had a great chat with Majerle Lister, host of Wósdéé podcast!

I am a fan of his podcast and we had been kicking the can down the road for too long. We just linked up and did an episode! I'm so happy he came on because he brought thought provoking conversation.

Accurate Native representation is important but why now? Why is it all seem to be happening now? Is this going to become another form of cultural appropriation/exploitation that indigenous people will need to battle? I think history tells us we need to prepare ourselves for that possibility. Majerle did a lot of research on the historical events that back up this theory about how we got here. Also and more important, where do we go from here?

Enjoy the conversation everyone, I had a wonderful chat with him and can't wait to bring him back on!

Allie Young Jun 27, 2021

Show notes

Allie is many things, an activist, actor, writer, founder, etc. She's a leader and most recently founded Protect the Sacred. An organization founded to combat COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation. With the many challenges that the Navajo Nation faced, we needed help and Allie saw a way to fill a void and just went for it. Time was not on our side with COVID-19 and the Navajo people so her quick action saved lives and made a lasting impact on the youth.

She was also in the film industry prior to her current role, running Protect the Sacred. We delve into her experiences as an Indigenous woman in the film industry but also how that informed her about where Hollywood is with Native representation.

Listen to this conversation and enjoy!

Mark Tilsen Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

Mark is many things, he is an activist, educator, poet, and thought leader. He should also add badass to that list. Mark is an impressive individual who I look to for wisdom. While he is much younger than an elder, he brings the elder knowledge. I'm excited to bring you all this chat I had with him because I have been looking forward to having this chat.

I would consider us friends, but if Mark asked me what I think of him, I'd tell him I needed a Lakota friend to fill my quota.

This dude is a smart AF and wise beyond his years. I'm excited to see what this guy does with his life and the impact he leaves everywhere he goes. I brought him on to talk film, but we ended up just talking. I want to bring him back on to talk specifically about representation, but thankfully that's for another time.

Ryker Sixkiller Interview Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

Ryker is one impressive guy. I have such respect for anyone who is willing to do anything to make themselves better. He is eager to learn, hungry for knowledge, and a Native stuntman/actor/cinematographer/writer/father/etc. Of all the great things he has done in his career, he's so humble and chill. I had a blast learning about Ryker's journey, work ethic, past projects, and future work. He is someone that I will constantly check in on because this guy is going to be big.

I decided to not talk about movies/television but just had a great chat with a Native actor about the industry, his work, where he wants to go, and where we go from here. Hope you all enjoy!

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