The landscape of filmmaking is vast and diverse, a canvas where stories of every hue and shade find their voice. Within this vibrant tapestry, narratives that explore the rich and complex experiences of Native American communities hold a unique and vital place. But have you got what it takes to make a Native American documentary that resonates with authenticity, respect, and impact?
One organization stands as a beacon, actively seeking and supporting filmmakers who dare to tell these stories: Vision Maker Media. A Native organization with significant funding from Public Broadcasting, Vision Maker Media is dedicated to amplifying Native voices and fostering a deeper understanding of Native American cultures, histories, and contemporary issues. Their mission is not just to fill a gap in media representation, but to actively shape the narrative, ensuring that it is told from within the community itself.
Vision Maker Media actively seeks completed films from independent and public television producers that are both provocative and engaging. Their primary aim is to champion works that address the evolving realities of Native American communities and tackle current issues.
“We’re particularly interested in programs such as Native American Graduates, Women and Girls who Lead, and Veterans’ Issues,” explains Shirley K. Sneve (Sicangu), the executive director of Vision Maker Media, highlighting the organization’s commitment to diverse and relevant themes within the Native American experience.
A Legacy of Support and Empowerment
Founded in 1976 by forward-thinking public television managers, Vision Maker Media emerged from a desire to inject greater diversity into the medium. Recognizing the lack of Native American perspectives on screen, these managers formed a consortium to channel resources specifically toward supporting Native American filmmakers.
“In 1990, we started funding productions, and since then, we have produced 300 documentaries,” Sneve elaborates. “We acquire finished work, and we also fund everything from research and development to finishing films.” This comprehensive approach demonstrates Vision Maker Media’s dedication to supporting projects from their inception to their final release, ensuring that filmmakers have the resources they need to bring their visions to life.
The Power of an Idea: From Proposal to Production
The journey of a filmmaker can often seem daunting, a labyrinth of funding applications, logistical challenges, and creative hurdles. However, Vision Maker Media offers a pathway, a tangible opportunity for aspiring storytellers to turn their dreams into reality. Adrian Baker, the producer of the animated series "Injunuity," is a testament to this.
“Whenever I talk to young filmmakers, I tell them I am living proof that six or seven pages can change your life,” Baker shares, emphasizing the transformative power of a well-crafted proposal. "Injunuity," a series of nine half-hour shows, tackles critical issues facing Native American communities, including preserving sacred sites, protecting the environment, addressing health disparities, and revitalizing endangered languages.
Baker’s approach is innovative, blending factual information with engaging storytelling and vibrant animation. “We take information, make the story, then give it an animated background,” he explains. This creative format makes complex topics accessible and engaging for a wide audience, particularly younger viewers.
Baker nurtured his idea for "Injunuity" for a decade before putting it to paper. He then crafted a proposal and submitted it to Vision Maker Media. The response was overwhelmingly positive. "And it took off from there," Baker recalls, acknowledging his prior experience in the film industry and his established portfolio.
“They knew what it would look like, and they wanted to do it. They gave me the initial funding,” he says, underscoring the importance of having a clear vision and a strong body of work to showcase one’s capabilities. Baker’s success story exemplifies how have you got what it takes to make a Native American documentary, coupled with a compelling idea and a dedicated organization like Vision Maker Media, can pave the way for impactful storytelling.
Beyond Documentaries: A Broad Spectrum of Stories
Vision Maker Media’s commitment to Native American representation extends beyond the realm of documentaries. They are also interested in feature films, animation, and contemporary stories that reflect the diversity and dynamism of Native American life.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a ‘Smoke Signals’,” Sneve notes, referencing the groundbreaking 1998 film that captured the humor, heart, and complexities of modern Native American identity. While historical pieces can be of interest, Vision Maker Media seeks projects that offer a modern twist, connecting the past to the present and highlighting the ongoing relevance of Native American history and culture.
“Standing Bear’s documentary about a lawsuit at the turn of the 20th Century shows his relatives in the film and how it affected the Ponca today,” Sneve explains. “It is really important to let PBS audiences know we are still here, and we are still interested in our sovereignty and language.” This statement encapsulates the core mission of Vision Maker Media: to ensure that Native American voices are heard, that Native American stories are told, and that the contributions of Native American communities are recognized and celebrated.
The organization actively seeks out films at various festivals, uncovering stories that range from uplifting to deeply challenging. “We have a documentary of video letters from prison. It’s the story of three young girls and their mom and their relationship with their dad in prison, and the video letters shared between them,” Sneve shares, illustrating the organization’s willingness to tackle difficult subjects and provide a platform for marginalized voices.
Building a Future for Native American Filmmakers
Vision Maker Media recognizes that the future of Native American storytelling lies in the hands of the next generation. As such, they are deeply committed to providing opportunities for emerging filmmakers to hone their skills and gain valuable experience.
“We do purchase short films,” Sneve states, acknowledging the importance of supporting short-form content as a stepping stone for aspiring filmmakers. The organization also offers internships and paid summer jobs in various locations, including Nebraska, Alaska, Seattle, North Dakota, San Bernardino, California, and Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Blue Tarpalechee, a 27-year-old Muscogee-Creek filmmaker from Okmulgee, Oklahoma, is a prime example of the success of Vision Maker Media’s mentorship programs. After graduating from the Institute of American Indian Arts, where he studied film, Tarpalechee landed an internship with VMM and is now working full-time, producing "Growing Native," a seven-part series of one-hour shows.
“I am very blessed to have gotten the opportunity to step into this position, which came about through an internship,” he says. “I learned a lot of things by doing backpack journalism, traveling to follow stories throughout Oklahoma, Mississippi, Minnesota, and Nebraska. I worked on my production and reporting skills, learned about editing programs. I did a lot of skill and network building and learned the tools that a journalist needs to tell a good story.” Tarpalechee’s experience highlights the transformative impact of Vision Maker Media’s programs, empowering young Native American filmmakers to develop their talents and contribute to the ongoing narrative of their communities.
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
For those who aspire to create impactful Native American documentaries, Shirley Sneve offers valuable advice: “Don’t work in isolation. Shoot, write, edit. It is a collaborative process, and you need smart people on your team. Watch lots of documentaries, follow the films you like, and meet the filmmakers. Attend film festivals, go to school, and you will learn so much about filmmaking and how to tell a story.”
Students interested in pursuing film careers may consider college majors in New Media, journalism, filmmaking, or mass communications, which represent the diverse backgrounds of the filmmakers on Vision Maker Media’s full-time staff.
How to Submit Your Film
Vision Maker Media welcomes submissions of new films at any time throughout the year. However, they emphasize the importance of high-quality, accurate, authentic, and unique content that is suitable for national broadcast. Films can encompass a variety of genres, including documentary, performance, cultural/public affairs, and animation.
For detailed information regarding eligibility and application procedures, please visit the Vision Maker Media website. For specific questions about the acquisition submission process, contact Assistant Director Georgiana Lee (Navajo) at georgiana.lee@unl.edu.
Ultimately, the question remains: Have you got what it takes to make a Native American documentary? If you possess a compelling story, a commitment to authenticity, and a dedication to amplifying Native voices, Vision Maker Media offers a powerful platform to share your vision with the world. The opportunity is there, waiting for the next generation of storytellers to step forward and shape the narrative of Native America.