Dances with Wolves opened film floodgate

'Dances With Wolves' has lasting effect on state, actors

By Jomay SteenKevin Costner’s Oscar-winning “Dances with Wolves” opened a floodgate of opportunity 20 years ago for South Dakota and its residents who appeared in the movie.

Emily Currey, film and media relations representative for the South Dakota Office of Tourism, said Costner’s film truly showcased the state.

“His film played a very important role in the film industry in South Dakota,” Currey said.

“Dances with Wolves” will be celebrated at the South Dakota Film Festival today through Sunday, Sept. 20, in Aberdeen.And:Other projects filmed in South Dakota since “Dances with Wolves” that incorporated Native Americans include:

“Son of the Morning Star,” ABC, 1991

“Incident at Oglala,” Dakota Plains Productions, 1992

“Thunderheart,” TriStar Pictures, 1992

“The Ride to Wounded Knee,” Ride to Wounded Knee Productions, 1992

“Wyatt Earp,” Warner Brothers, 1994

“Lakota Woman,” Turner Pictures, 1994

“Crazy Horse,” Turner Pictures, 1996

“Skins,” Firstlook Films, 2002

“Hidalgo,” Disney, 2004

Kevin Costner to be honored in FlandreauKevin Costner is coming to Flandreau. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe will host a Friendship Ceremony for the Academy Award-winning actor and director at the Royal River Casino at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Tribal President Joshua Weston said the Santee Sioux are eager to show their appreciation for Costner's support of Native American causes.Comment:  For more on Dances with Wolves, see Best South Dakota Movies and Dances with Wolves in Film Registry. For more on the subject in general, see The Best Indian Movies.