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Native American Filmmakers & Movies

By May 26, 2023September 8th, 2025Movies and TV

Native American
Filmmakers, Movies, & More!

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History of Native Americans in Media /

History of
Native Americans
in Media

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Early
Depictions

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1960s &
1970s

Modern
Depictions

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Importance of Native Americans in Media and Film /

Importance of
Native Americans
in Media and Film

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Notable Native
American Filmmakers

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Taika Waititi

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2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019   2019

Sterlin Harjo

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Alanis Obomsawin

Chris Eyre

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Jeff Barnaby

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Notable Native
American Actors

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WES STUDI

Irene Bedard

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Gil Birmingham

Adam Beach

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HEAT & MASSAGE SERIES /

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Graham Greene

General Native American Movies /

General
Native American
Movies

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1990Dances with Wolves

By: Kevin Costner

Dances with Wolves
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Where To Watch: HBO Max, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Spectrum TV, Vudu, and Redbox.

This ultimate classic Native American movie, “Dances with Wolves,” has won a total of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

This epic Western film tells the story of a Union army lieutenant called John Dunbar. Dunbar is sent to a remote outpost during his term in the Civil War, which results in him befriending and learning about Native American culture, specifically of the Sioux tribe.

It is argued that this film marks a period of change in film and the representation of Native American communities and is praised for its sensitive treatment of the themes and characters linked to Native American culture and history. Although it is not the picture-perfect example of an accurate representation of Native American peoples, it was definitely a step in the right direction at the time.

The Film receives some criticism over its portrayal of possible savagery stereotypes, but despite this, it still remains an influential film in the history of Native American Film.
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1998Smoke Signals

By: Chris Eyre

Smoke Signals
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Where To Watch: Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.

Smoke Signals is an independent film directed by Chris Eyre and written by Sherman Alexie. Native American filmmaker Chris Eyre tells an encapsulating story of two young Native American characters. These characters, Victor Joseph and Thomas grow up on a Coeur d’Alene reservation as rivals of some sort, yet friendly to the eye.

This movie entailed themes of alcoholism, violence, savior, and abandonment, and it is sure to keep you entangled in the plot.

The Native American men band together after the loss of their father figure, Arnold, and embark on a journey to retrieve his ashes.

Their journey will expose you to their contrasting perspectives on their cultural heritage, the complex relationship between them, and the strength of love and family. Succeeding in portraying accurate Indigenous experiences, this film was written, directed, and produced by people of Native American descent.

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1992The Last of the Mohicans

By: Michael Mann

The Last of the Mohicans
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Where To Watch: Paramount Plus, Apple TV, Vudu, and Prime Video.

This Native American film will surely be a pick for all you hopeless romantics and maybe even those who seek an escape to an action-packed world!

The Last of the Mohicans is a historical drama based on James Fenimore Cooper's novel “The Last of the Mohicans” and details many shocking and gruesome moments of the French and Indian War in 1757. If you’re a fan of action, this film will likely hit the spot!

The plot follows a unique individual, Hawkeye, and no, that’s not Hawkeye from the Marvel Universe. The Mohican tribe raised Hawkeye, a white man, and so he is culturally acclimated to Native American ways.

You will feel a wave of sadness when you come to understand that Hawkeye, his father, and his brother are the last members of their dying tribe. Following by the heart-warming truth that they have found peace with British colonists, leading to the proud moments in which Hawkeye risks everything to rescue the daughters of a British colonel.

We don’t want to give everything away; just promise us when we say that it’s a worthy watch and a real tear-jerker!

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2002Windtalkers

By: John Woo

Windtalkers
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Where To Watch: Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.

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2009Reel Injun

By: Neil Diamond

Reel Injun
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Where To Watch: Amazon Prime Video

Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond explores the portrayal of North American Indigenous communities by examining the century of Native American cinematography that came before it.

Significant for its exposure to inaccurate and unfair representations of Native American peoples, Reel Injun was inspired by Neil Diamond’s personal experiences.

Diamond recounts his moments as a child growing up in Waskaganish, detailing memories of him and his fellow young Native Americans playing a game often referred to as “Cowboys and Indians”. Diamond states that although he and his friends were, in reality, “Indians,” they all wished to play the part of the “Cowboys” in this school-yard game.

The inaccurate presentation of his culture impacted his own perceptions of Native American people growing up. Once he was old enough to recognize this, he set off on a journey to correct these stereotypes, resulting in this incredibly beautiful documentary that recognizes true Native American culture.

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Family-Friendly
Movies and TV Shows

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2003Brother Bear

By: Aaron Blaise & Robert Walker

Brother Bear
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Where To Watch: Disney Plus, Apple TV, Redbox, Vudu, and Amazon Prime Video

This Walt Disney Animation film follows a magical plot of a young Inuit boy who, after avenging his brother’s death and killing a bear, is transformed into that very creature.

We follow Kenai as he struggles to come to terms with his identity and Native American culture and is forced to learn to see the world from a different perspective, a perspective of a bear, that is!

This movie is a fun and emotional watch and is sure to make your children chuckle and shed a tear as it explores themes of danger, challenge, family, and forgiveness.
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2019Molly of Denali

By: Uwe Rafael Braun

Molly of Denali
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Where To Watch: PBS KIDS and Amazon Prime Video.

Molly of Denali is a TV show that will have your children asking for one more episode, and you’ll need our binge-watching survival guide for sure! This adventurous series follows Molly Mabray, and it is the first nationally distributed children’s show across America that follows an Alaska Native as the main character.

Molly and her friends explore the world and all it has to offer while learning about culture, history, and language, offering your mini-yous an enriching show they won’t get bored of.
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2004Hidalgo

By: Joe Johnston

Hidalgo
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Where To Watch: Redbox, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.

Known for its thrilling scenes of action and stunning cinema, Hidalgo follows Hopkins, a washed-up cowboy and former rider of the US Cavalry.

With his trusty stead by his side, a mustang named Hidalgo, Hopkins faces many struggles, such as dangerous sandstorms and antagonist bandits. Through his journey, the film captures the beauty of the Arabian desert and is sure to fill your children with second-hand courage!
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Movies on Native
American Culture &
History

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2009WE SHALL REMAIN

By: Chris Eyre

WE SHALL REMAIN
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Where To Watch: Amazon Prime Video

Although this cinematic masterpiece isn't a movie, we thought it was vital to include this five-episode series of Native American history as it features interviews with scholars, historians, and Native American leaders themselves!

Spanning from the 17th to the 20th century, this documentary series is critically acclaimed for its respectful portrayal of Native American history and culture and holds huge educational potential.
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2007Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee

By: Yves Simoneau

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
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Where To Watch: Google Play Movies, Youtube, and Hulu

Although brutal and exposing, this film also brings to light the resistance and resilience of Native American people who had to fight to protect their way of life.

Told through the eyes of historical figures Charles Eastman, a Sioux doctor, and Sitting Bull, a Lakota chief, this film captures an accurate account of Native American history.

The film depicts the often tragic history of Native American communities and touches on themes of colonialism, forced assimilation, and disease. Time to bring out the tissues.
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1992Thunderheart

By: Michael Apted

Thunderheart
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Where To Watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Redbox

Loosely based on events at Wounded Knee in 1973, this crime thriller film will fulfill your needs if you’re a lover of crime, investigation, and corruption.

The film follows FBI agent Ray Levoi, played by actor Val Kilmer, as he is sent to investigate a recent murder on a South Dakota reservation. Here, as a man of mixed Sioux and white descent, Levoi is met with the opportunity to reconnect with his Sioux roots.

But this isn’t all he is met with. We are taken on a journey that touches on corruption and political issues as Levoi discovers more than he bargained for.
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Dive into the world of Native American Filmmakers and Movies with
Octane Seating…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you think there is a current trend in space-related film and TV?

Yes, In recent years, major franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel have popularized a genre of science fiction that explores the possibilities of space exploration and encounters with aliens. There are also other films that focus on more realistic storylines set within the vastness of space, like Gravity or The Martian. Space-related content has become increasingly prevalent across all forms of media, including TV shows like The Orville or movies like Interstellar. Thus, it’s safe to say that space-related content is here to stay for some time.

How has the portrayal of space changed over the years?

The representation of outer space in movies, television shows, books, and other forms of media has changed significantly over the years. Early portrayals of space often depicted it as a dry and barren wasteland filled with dangers like asteroid fields or hostile aliens. However, more recent depictions of space have embraced its beauty by depicting nebulae and galaxies in vivid detail. There has also been an increased focus on the scientific aspects such as exploration missions and discoveries made by mankind. The ongoing advances in technology have allowed for much more realistic depictions of space which further enhances people’s appreciation for it.

Are there any upcoming space-related film or TV projects that audiences are excited about?

Yes, there are several upcoming space-related film and TV projects that audiences are excited about. Some of the most highly anticipated include ‘The Tesla Project’, an Apple TV+ series from Ron Howard and Brian Grazer; the Disney + movie ‘Stargirl’; and Christopher Nolan’s ‘Interstellar’. Other notable upcoming projects include HBO Max’s ‘Away’ starring Hilary Swank and Netflix’s sci-fi drama, ‘Space Force’. All these are sure to excite space enthusiasts around the globe!

What are some of the most iconic space-related film and TV moments?

  1. TheIn Space, No One Can Hear You Scream tagline from the 1979 film Alien.
  2. The opening sequence from 2001: A Space Odyssey.
  3. The Enterprise’s first warp-speed jump from Star Trek.
  4. The Rebel Alliance’s attack on the Death Star from Star Wars.
  5. The discovery of the monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey.
  6. Hal 9000’s “I’m sorry Dave” line from 2001: A Space Odyssey.
  7. The “Space, the final frontier” opening of Star Trek.
  8. The Millennium Falcon’s jump to light speed from Star Wars.
  9. The iconic Wilhelm scream from Star Wars.
  10. The “Open the Pod Bay Doors” scene from 2001: A Space Odyssey

How do actors prepare for their roles when filming in space?

As of now, there hasn’t been a mainstream film or TV series filmed in space, so there is no definitive answer to how actors would prepare for their roles in such a scenario. However, if and when it happens, the following could be some possible ways actors might prepare for their roles:

  1. Training in space-like environments: Actors could undergo extensive training in environments that simulate the conditions of space. This could include training in zero-gravity, using spacesuits and operating spacecraft, and learning how to deal with emergencies in a space-like setting.
  2. Researching the science behind space travel: Actors could spend time learning about the science behind space travel, the physics of spaceflight, and the effects of space on the human body. They could also read up on the history of space exploration and familiarize themselves with the current state of space technology.
  3. Talking to astronauts: Actors could talk to astronauts who have spent time in space to get a firsthand account of what it’s like to live and work in space. They could also learn about the emotional and psychological effects of long-duration spaceflight.
  4. Consulting with space experts: Actors could consult with space experts such as engineers, astrophysicists, and space policy experts to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities of space exploration.
  5. Working with a space consultant: If the film or TV series is working with a space consultant, the actors could work closely with them to ensure that their performances are as accurate and authentic as possible.
  6. Overall, preparing for a role in a space-themed production would require a lot of research, physical training, and consultation with experts. Actors would need to work hard to make their performances as authentic and convincing as possible.

Do film and TV producers consult with astronauts or other experts to ensure accuracy?

Yes, film and TV producers do consult with astronauts and other experts to ensure accuracy in space-themed productions. They often work with space consultants, who are experts in the field of space exploration, to ensure that the details of the production are as accurate and authentic as possible.

For example, in the movie “Apollo 13,” director Ron Howard consulted with Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell and his wife Marilyn, as well as with other NASA officials, to ensure that the film accurately portrayed the events of the real-life mission. Similarly, for the movie “The Martian,” director Ridley Scott worked closely with NASA scientists to ensure that the science and technology depicted in the film were as accurate as possible.

In addition to consulting with experts, producers of space-themed productions often conduct extensive research and may even send members of the production team to NASA facilities or other space-related locations to gain a better understanding of the subject matter.

Overall, accuracy is an important consideration for producers of space-themed productions, and they take great care to ensure that their depictions of space exploration are as true to life as possible.

Are there any challenges associated with filming space movies or TV shows?

Yes, there are many challenges associated with filming space movies or TV shows. This includes recreating the low-gravity environment of space in a studio setting and dealing with the extreme temperatures present in outer space. Another challenge is creating intricate sets that accurately depict both large and small spacecraft, as well as planets and galaxies. There are also special effects to consider when replicating cosmic phenomena like meteors or other astronomical events. The process of writing a believable plot while still keeping true to scientific facts can be quite challenging as well.

How does the use of CGI and other special effects affect the way space is portrayed?

The use of CGI and special effects has allowed filmmakers to accurately portray space on the big screen. CGI can generate incredibly realistic images of galaxies, stars, planets, asteroids, and other cosmic bodies that are far beyond what traditional special effects can create. It has also allowed for more accurate depictions of phenomena like black holes, wormholes, and nebula clouds. On top of this, it gives filmmakers the capability to create a highly immersive experience for viewers by taking them into far-off worlds or showing them powerful cosmic events in extreme detail.

Do adults and children react differently to on-screen portrayals of space?

While children tend to be more open-minded and excited about the possibilities of space exploration, adults may be more likely to take a measured approach based on past experiences or established beliefs. On-screen portrayals often emphasize the awe and mystery of space, which can encourage viewers to broaden their perspective and think differently about it. This can lead to increased support for sciences such as astronomy, astrophysics, and related fields. Ultimately, when done correctly, films and TV shows that depict space help foster scientific curiosity while inspiring audiences to learn more about our universe.

How does the portrayal of space in film and TV influence the public's perception of it?

The portrayal of space in film and TV has had a huge influence on the public’s perception of it. Movies like Star Wars, The Martian, and Gravity have made space exploration more accessible to the masses and demonstrate its potential for awe-inspiring adventure. Through these stories, people have come to recognize that space can be used for scientific discovery, technological advancement, and even entertainment. These stories also bring attention to topics such as climate change, international cooperation, extraterrestrial life forms, and other related themes which are often overlooked by those not directly involved in space exploration. As a result of this portrayal in film and TV media, the public is becoming increasingly aware of what goes on beyond our planet’s atmosphere.

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