This week, the Cherokee Nation Film Office and the state of Nebraska announced the production of a new feature length film about Ponca Chief Standing Bear. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.
Native American filmmaker Andrew Troy will direct “I Am A Man: The True Story of Ponca Chief Standing Bear,”.
With formal approval from the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma, the historical drama depicts the 1879 landmark trial of Standing Bear v. the United States of America, which helped establish the rights for all Native Americans to be considered “human beings” under U.S. law.
The film’s ensemble-cast presents an opportunity for Native people to be portrayed by prominent Native actors starring among a variety of celebrity actors portraying U.S historical figures. Last year, the feature film became one of the first recipients of the Cherokee Nation Film Incentive and has received grants, tax incentives and other support from the Nebraska Film Office; the Tulsa Office of Film.
When asked when filming could begin, Director Andrew Troy said quote "It's been a decade in the making. Although we are eager to start production as quickly as possible, there is still a process in casting, building local crew, and other standard film making steps needed before we make the official 2023 start-date announcement.” unquote. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro
