The atmosphere on the third floor of the Watkins Community Museum of History was thick with anticipation. Roughly thirty members of the cast and crew of an independent film titled "Independent Film Explores History of Haskell Boarding School" clustered around, their attention fixed on actor Kevin Geer. The camera, a silent observer, slowly tracked in on Geer’s stern countenance, capturing the intensity of the moment.
Geer, embodying the character of a stern Haskell superintendent, delivered his lines with a commanding presence. "This is not a prison. There are no walls. No fences. But there is a clock," he boomed, his voice resonating in the confined space. "You will learn to respect time." The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of expectation and the implied threat of consequence.
The concepts of "respect" and "time," as Geer articulated them, are central to "Independent Film Explores History of Haskell Boarding School," a poignant drama set in the early 1900s. This was a period marked by widespread mistreatment and systematic oppression of American Indians, a stark contrast to the ideals of respect and equality. The film aims to delve into this dark chapter of American history, shedding light on the experiences of Native American children forced into government-run boarding schools.
The scene being filmed depicted the arrival of newly displaced Native American children at Haskell Institute, a government-funded boarding school established with the explicit goal of assimilating Native Americans into white society. The children, fresh from their reservations, were confronted with a world alien to their culture and traditions.
The film’s narrative centers around a young Kickapoo boy, portrayed by newcomer Winter Fox Frank. Torn from his family and community, Frank’s character is forcibly enrolled at Haskell, where he is stripped of his identity. He is given a new, anglicized name, compelled to adopt Christianity, and forbidden from speaking his native language or practicing his cultural traditions.
Driven by a deep longing for home and a fierce determination to reclaim his heritage, Frank’s character makes a daring escape. His journey back to his family is fraught with peril as he is relentlessly pursued by an American Indian bounty hunter, played by the acclaimed actor Wes Studi. This pursuit underscores the complex and often tragic choices faced by Native Americans during this era.
Steve Cadue, the Kickapoo tribal chairman, was invited to the set as a consultant, lending his expertise and personal insights to the production. His presence underscored the film’s commitment to authenticity and its desire to accurately portray the experiences of Native American children in boarding schools.
Cadue’s own parents were forced to attend boarding schools in Nebraska during the 1920s, giving him a direct connection to the history being depicted. "What we know of the Indian boarding schools all across the country is that they were almost like concentration camps," Cadue explained. He emphasized the systematic efforts to erase Native American culture, language, and history. Students were often punished severely for speaking their native languages or engaging in traditional practices.
By bringing this historical injustice to the forefront, "Independent Film Explores History of Haskell Boarding School" seeks to educate audiences about a painful chapter in American history and to foster a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of these policies on Native American communities.
The film’s production has been centered in Lawrence, Kansas, with filming locations including the Watkins Community Museum of History, the Castle Tea Room, and Cottonwood Falls. The presence of film crews and equipment has been noticeable in the downtown area, generating local buzz and anticipation for the film’s release.
Kevin Willmott, the director of the film, is known for his thought-provoking and socially conscious filmmaking. His previous work, including "C.S.A. – The Confederate States of America," explores themes of identity, race, and history. "I like stories that deal with identity and race and history," Willmott stated. "This is that idea of unspoken history again. One of the big questions that it raises is, ‘Can’t I be an American and not lose myself?’"
The screenplay for "Independent Film Explores History of Haskell Boarding School" was written and produced by Tom Carmody. Carmody, who grew up in Lawrence, developed a fascination with American Indian culture from a young age. His experiences growing up in a diverse community inspired him to tell this story from a Native American perspective.
"Growing up in Lawrence and attending Broken Arrow school and South Junior High, many of the kids in the classes were Native American, as were many of the kids on my football team at Lawrence High. It was just part of growing up," Carmody recalled.
Carmody conceived the idea for the film in 2005. He emphasized the relatively quick pace of independent filmmaking in Kansas. "That’s the one thing about independent films in Kansas: We can move pretty quickly. From inception of the idea to writing the script to working on all the logistics, it’s been about two years," he explained.
Carmody viewed the project as a unique take on the Western genre, offering a perspective rarely seen in traditional Western films. "When you look at westerns per se, you rarely see the Native American point of view. I can’t even think of one," he noted.
The casting of Winter Fox Frank in the lead role was a stroke of serendipity. Carmody encountered Frank at a Haskell powwow event and was immediately impressed by his presence and demeanor. "He looked very impressive. I went up and talked to him, and I couldn’t believe how composed he was. I told him I had this story and gave him my business card… In that instant we had our main character, and his life changed," Carmody recounted.
Frank, a freshman from Redding, California, admitted his initial unfamiliarity with both the history of Haskell and the process of filmmaking. "When I imagined working on a movie set, I always thought it was going to be like these vicious producers, but I guess because it’s an independent film it’s got a different feel. Everyone is incredibly nice and helpful," Frank said.
Before accepting the role, Frank had to make a significant sacrifice: cutting his long hair, which he had never done before. This act symbolized the forced assimilation and loss of identity that his character experiences in the film.
"He had beautiful long hair that we told him he had to have cut for the film," Carmody recalled. "He had never had his hair cut before. So his grandmother flew down from South Dakota and performed a ceremony after a few days of shooting… There was a ceremony with smoke going around him. There was lightning in the background. It was one of the most moving experiences I have ever been involved in."
With the exception of Wes Studi, many of the actors in "Independent Film Explores History of Haskell Boarding School" have prior experience working on films in Lawrence, particularly on Willmott’s upcoming thriller, "Bunker Hill."
"So much of it is the casting," Willmott explained. "So much of it is finding the right people, putting them in the right outfit, and you literally just have to tell them where to stand."
While the film is currently being produced independently, Willmott and Carmody hope to secure a mainstream release. "Our aim is pretty high," Carmody stated. "We’d like it to one day be in theaters around the world. We think it’s an important story. It’s a fictional story, but at the same time, these things did happen."
Cadue emphasized the significance of Native American inclusion in the film. "It’s already been successful in my mind because of the Native American inclusion. The stars in the film are Native Americans. When you’ve been left out all these years, just being invited is success," he concluded. The film "Independent Film Explores History of Haskell Boarding School" promises to be a powerful and moving exploration of a crucial but often overlooked chapter in American history.