“This is a quintessential Native American story of courage and perseverance, but unfortunately, it is also a story that is largely forgotten,” said Harper.
Academy Award-winner Sir Ben Kingsley is producing the film, in addition to portraying Charles Curtis, who served as vice president under Herbert Hoover and is the only Native American to ever hold that office.
Huey said they’re also pursuing A-list talent, “but we want to have as many Native American actors as possible.” He said they’d like to begin filming in the fall, but right now they’re focused on raising funds, which they hope will come from the Native American community.
This is the kind of movie that should have a small budget and an independent mindset. Which is at odds with the pursuit of expensive "A-list talent."
If I were a tribal leader, I'd consider funding Whispers Like Thunder as a low-budget indie film. I wouldn't put millions of dollars into a movie about three sisters defending a burial ground.
Casting issue, again
It's possible to have every Native role played by a Native actor, of course. Including the role of Charles Curtis.
It's still not clear if this pursuit of "A-list talent" includes the actors playing the three Native sisters. If Native actors don't play the main Native characters, it'll be a travesty.
I hope we'll hear more about Harper's and Huey's vision for the movie. I'm sensing tension between two conflicting desires: making it authentic and making it Hollywood-friendly.
For more on the subject, see The Best Indian Movies.
2 comments:
Thank you for this post. I am one of the producers on the film. The reason we are looking for A List talent is because the way the story is written it will be the only Native American film to date that will accurately depict the suffering, and cruelty that Native Americans faced and currently face. It is in line with what is currently happening in politics right now. Therefore that is why we have engaged Keith Harper to EP. The A List talent will bring much needed attention and world wide press to the Native American political affairs that only they can bring. We have been reaching out to many Native American actors and directors. It is very important to us that we stay true to having this film being as authentic as possible. Even A List actors having a Native American blood line is important. Our goal is to shed light and hopefully create a resurgence of public interest in the injustice of the Native American community in a big way. I hope this sheds some light on your questions.
Thanks for writing, Bobbi. Unfortunately, your comments don't shed much light on my concerns.
For more on the subject, see Whispers Like Thunder Producer Speaks.
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