Sandra Hale Schulman
ICT
The latest: Indigenous nominations come up short, stellar film in Cherokee, SWAIA puts on a show
AWARDS: Hits and misses in TV Land
Despite the top notch, well-reviewed, and fan favorite shows “Dark Winds,” “Reservation Dogs” and “North of North,” there was no Emmy 2025 love for them this year.
But there’s some good news – “American Primeval,” the hard-hitting story of Southern Paiute and Shoshone battling Utah Mormons in 1857, received two Primetime Emmy nominations – one for Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, and another for Outstanding Period Costumes. The nominations are for the first episode’s cinematography by Jacques Jouffret and the recreated costumes designed by Virginia Johnson, and Donna Casey-Aira. Over 75 artists and craftspeople brought the visual world of 1857 America to life with historically accurate costuming research and storytelling.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for September 14 in Los Angeles.
The Heartland Regional Emmy Awards recently recognized Cherokee Film Production’s “Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People,” or OsiyoTV as it’s commonly known, with four additional Emmys.
“We are thrilled to continue a legacy of award-winning storytelling through OsiyoTV,” said Jen Loren, executive producer and host. “Cherokee People have important stories to tell, and we appreciate the recognition from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, providing further evidence that no one can tell our stories as well as we can.”
This year, the tribe’s popular docuseries received 11 Emmy nominations in categories covering arts, entertainment, diversity, history, culture, youth, human interest, nostalgia, lifestyle and magazine program. OsiyoTV received its latest statuettes for stories aired during its ninth and 10th seasons, as well as its “Let’s Talk Cherokee” segment.
Since premiering in 2015, “Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People” has vibrantly featured hundreds of Cherokees from both past and present. The first-of-its-kind series, hosted and directed by Cherokee Nation citizen, filmmaker and Emmy-winning journalist Jen Loren, is breaking barriers and helping change how Native Americans are represented by bringing the rich traditions and compelling modern stories of the Cherokee people to viewers across the globe.
Cherokee Film includes four distinct branches — Cherokee Film Productions, Cherokee Film Studios, Cherokee Film Commission and Cherokee Film Institute. They help develop, produce, promote and distribute a variety of original content.
FILM: Stellar screenings in Cherokee rez
Museum of the Cherokee People has announced the film lineup for its annual Indigenous pop culture event The Way We See the World, held in the Council Fire Ballroom at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on August 1 from 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
The free evening includes film screenings, an art market, special appearances by filmmakers and talent, and a silent auction benefiting the recently renovated museum. Free advance tickets are available via Eventbrite and will be available day-of at the door.
Now in its fourth year, The Way We See the World features four documentary and narrative short films that explore themes of family and cultural connection. Made by emerging and established Native filmmakers, starring Indigenous talent, and often in some cases, shot on the reservations of federally recognized tribes, these award-winning films have played at Sundance, SXSW, imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, and beyond.
“I’m incredibly proud of how this event has evolved and remains a valued venue for Native creatives to showcase their work,” says Museum of the Cherokee People Executive Director Shana Bushyhead Condill, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “They truly exemplify what self-representation is, and our lineup this year is made up of incredible, strong, Native women – which is so inspiring! I am also incredibly inspired by our sponsors who continue to do impactful work in our community, underlining the connection between authentic self-representation and a strong, healthy Cherokee community. Together, we fulfill our mission to uplift Cherokee culture and stories.”
Featured Films:
Redbird (2025)
Trailer
Directed by Emma Barrow, Cherokee Nation
Starring Casey Camp-Horinek, Ponca Nation, Jennifer Rader, Sokaogon Chippewa, and DeLanna Studi, Cherokee Nation. A Cherokee woman fights to protect her niece from an unlawful adoption by her white grandparents as she reckons with feeling distant from her own culture.
Tentsítewahkwe (2024)
Trailer
Directed by Katsitsionni Fox, Mohawk, with Xochitl Fox, Mexica/Azteca. Embodying the Mohawk value of tentsitewahkwe (we pick it up again), Jessica Shenandoah goes on a knowledge-gathering journey across all four seasons to reinvigorate the healing, land-based practices of her foremothers. Jessica reclaims knowledge that has been asleep for generations due to the destructive effects of boarding schools, forced religion and land theft.
Thin Places (2025)
Trailer
Written and directed by Brit Hensel, Cherokee Nation. Starring Quannah Chasinghorse, Han Gwich’in and Sicangu/Oglala Lakota, and Shelby Factor, Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, Muscogee [Creek] Nation, and Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. After her sister Tama’s untimely passing, Birdie learns that the bond between them is stronger than life and death. In between states of memory and heartbreak, Tama and Birdie show how we can continue on in a different way if we are willing to listen.
Tiger (2025)
Trailer
Directed by Loren Waters, Cherokee Nation and Kiowa Tribe, “Tiger” highlights an Indigenous award-winning, internationally acclaimed artist and elder Dana Tiger, her family, and the resurgence of the iconic Tiger T-shirt company.
ARTS: Gala in Santa Fe features top music and fashion
SWAIA’s most important annual fundraising event, the Gala Dinner & Auction, returns Saturday, August 16, at the Santa Fe Convention Center, with a very exciting entertainment lineup.
The evening’s entertainment schedule includes:
- Steven Paul Judd, Kiowa-Choctaw, – Master of Ceremonies
- Music by Adrian Wall, Jemez Pueblo
- Performance by international performing artist Larry Yazzie, Meskwaki
- Patricia Michael’s, Taos Pueblo, Fashion Show
- Musical performance by Robert Mirabal, Taos Pueblo
Emerald Tanner of Gallup New Mexico’s Tanner Trading will be the evening’s auctioneer. The live auction will begin at 8 p.m. local time and offer guests the exclusive opportunity to bid on a selection of items by award-winning SWAIA artists, including: Virgil Ortiz, Russell Sanchez, Karen Clarkson and two limited-edition Indian Motorcycle jackets featuring artist-designed patches and embellishments along with a Twyla True sliced-diamond yellow ring.
For the first time in several years, SWAIA has the support of an eight-member gala committee made up of community leaders. “The gala committee has provided the structure and creativity to ensure our 420 supporters have an extraordinary evening and our biggest fundraiser of the year is a success,” said SWAIA Executive Director Jamie Schulze.
The evening’s menu, by Walter Burke Catering, is inspired by Native feast day. For more information on how to support SWAIA by attending the 2025 Indian Market Gala and Live Auction, please visit: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/448864?tc=hmt