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Louis Owens

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Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae

"Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae" is a four-part documentary series directed by Yvonne Russo, focusing on Annie Mae Aquash, a Mi'kmaq woman from Nova Scotia who advocated for Indigenous rights as a prominent figure in the American Indian Movement (AIM) during the 1970s. The series highlights her involvement in key events like the 1972 Trail of Broken Treaties and the 1973 Wounded Knee Occupation, as well as the complexities surrounding her murder, which remained unsolved for nearly thirty years. Through interviews with family, AIM activists, and law enforcement officials, it sheds light on internal conflicts within AIM and the U.S. government's surveillance of Indigenous movements. Aquash's dedication to her cause made her a significant figure in AIM.

Drunktown's Finest

"Drunktown’s Finest" (2014), directed by Sydney Freeland, is an indie drama that follows the struggles of three young Native Americans on a Navajo reservation. Sick Boy (Jeremiah Bitsui) joins the army to escape his troubled past; Felixia (Carmen Moore, also known as Kymberly Yazzie), a transgender woman, faces rejection while dreaming of becoming a model; and Nizhoni (MorningStar Angeline) seeks to reconnect with her Navajo heritage after being raised by a white family. Their stories intersect as they deal with challenges related to identity and tradition, highlighting the harsh realities of reservation life, including poverty and addiction. The film emphasizes themes of self-discovery and resilience, challenging stereotypes and providing a personal look at the clash between tradition and modernity. 

Sugarcane

"Sugarcane" is a 2024 documentary by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie that examines the painful legacy of the Canadian Indian residential school system, focusing on St. Joseph's Mission in British Columbia. The film highlights the traumatic experiences of Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families and subjected to abuse in church-run boarding schools aimed at erasing Indigenous cultures.

Rez Ball

The Chuska Warriors, a Diné high school basketball team from New Mexico, must band together after losing their star player to keep their quest for a state championship alive. Written and directed by Sydney Freeland. Starring Kauchani Bratt, Jessica Matten, Devin Sampson-Craig, Dallas Goldtooth, and Ryan Begay.

Fancy Dance

This heart-wrenching story sheds light on the tragic issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. After her sister disappears, Jax ( @lilygladstone ) selflessly steps up to care for her niece, Roki ( @isabelderoy ), amidst the challenges on the Seneca-Cayuga reservation in Oklahoma. Jax tirelessly devotes every spare moment to searching for her missing sister while providing unwavering support to Roki as she prepares for an upcoming powwow. Also starring @ryanbegay505 and directed by @ericajtremblay #haffbreedzpodcast #indigenous #nativeart

Kahhori

Meet #Kahhori (voiced by @deveryjacobs) a Mohawk woman who goes on a quest to discover her power. This episode of @marvel ‘s #whatif is available on @disneyplus Season two, episode six. Written by Ryan Little and directed by Bryan Andrews, the episode is almost entirely in the Mohawk language! We look forward to more adventures with #kahhori in the future! #haffbreedzpodcast #marveluniverse #mohawk #indigenous

Frybread Face and Me

Awesome movie with indigenous actors about indigenous things! Directed by @brluther !! With amazing work by hair and makeup artist, @missgoldenone !! #frybreadfaceandme #haffbreedzpodcast 🪶🪶🪶🪶

War Pony

Interlocking stories of two young Oglala Dakota men growing up on Pine Ridge Reservation. Written and Directed by @rileykeough and Gina Gammell, other writers include Franklin Sioux Bob and Bill Reddy.

ECHO

Echo is based on a Marvel Comic by David Mack and Joe Quesada. The adapted comic to miniseries follows a Choctaw woman named Maya Lopez (Cheyenne in the comic). Maya is played by @alaquacox, she is Menominee and was born deaf. She is also an amputee, which added authenticity to her role. After betraying her adoptive uncle Kingpin, a New York crime lord played by @vincentdonofrio. She is forced to return to the Rez. But, Kingpin knows where to find her and brings trouble to the Rez. @deveryjacobs plays Mayas childhood friend, Bonnie. All episodes were directed by @sydneyfreeland , except for episode three, which was directed by @catrionamckenzie . This was a fun watch! It was amazing to watch @alaquacox get into character! It was great to see all the Native actors like Graham Greene, @tantoocardinal and @zahnmcclarnon . #checkitout #marvel #haffbreedzpodcast #indigenous 🪶🤎

Prey

Prey was released in 2022 and directed by @dannytrs . Starring Predator, @ambermidthunder , and @dakota_beavers , in this story about a Comanche warrior that protects her tribe from a predator on the hunt. #haffbreedzpodcast #haffbreedz #preymovie

Reservation Dogs

Following the exploits of four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma who steal, rob and save in order to get to the exotic, mysterious and faraway land of California. To succeed, they will have to save enough money, outmaneuver the methheads at the junkyard on the edge of town and survive a turf war against a much tougher rival gang. This first-of-its-kind creative team tells a story that resonates with them and their lived experiences -- and invites audiences into a surprisingly familiar and funny world.

Smoke Signals

Smoke Signals! Here’s a good one! Released in ‘98 and based on @shermanalexie.official ‘s Lone Ranger and Tonta Fistfight in Heaven, which is a collection of short stories. Directed by @chris.eyre and starring Adam Beach, @drevanadams , and @irenebedard . #haffbreedzpodcast #haffbreedz #indigenous

Pow Wow Highway

"Powwow Highway" (1989), directed by Jonathan Wacks, is a poignant road movie that explores Native American identity and spiritual awakening. Based on David Seals' novel, it follows two Cheyenne men from a Montana reservation: Philbert Bono, a gentle dreamer, and Buddy Red Bow, a hardened Vietnam veteran. With a blend of humor and serious themes, "Powwow Highway" offers an authentic portrayal of Indigenous life and remains a significant work in Native cinema, showcasing Native voices and spirituality on the American road.