The Cherokee Word for Water is a 2013 American drama film directed by Tim Kelly and Charlie Soap. Starring Kimberly Guerrero and Mo Brings Plenty in the lead roles, the film portrays the efforts of activist and future Cherokee chief Wilma Mankiller to create a stable water supply to Bell, Oklahoma.
| The Cherokee Word for Water | |
|---|---|
| Directed by |
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| Written by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Lisa Leone |
| Edited by | Louise Rubacky |
Release date |
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Running time | 98 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
Premise
edit"The docudrama, directed by Wilma’s husband and longtime community development partner, Charlie Soap, follows a young Mankiller as she works to bring water to the rural, primarily Cherokee community of Bell, Ok."[2] "...Together with a community of volunteers they build nearly 20 miles of waterline to save the community. The successful completion of the waterline led to Mankiller's election as principal chief, her and Soap's marriage and sparked a movement of similar self-help projects across the CN and in Indian Country that continues today."[3]
Production
editFilming started in September 2011 and took four weeks to complete, with shooting taking place in the Tahlequah urban area. In addition to privately-raised capital and funds from the Wilma Mankiller Foundation, the film also received a rebate from the Oklahoma state government.[4][5]
Reception
editIn a study by the American Indian Film Institute, which operates the American Indian Film Festival, the film was voted the best American Indian film made in the past forty years.[3] It also won a Bronze Wrangler for Best Theatrical Film from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 2014.[6]
References
edit- ^ Paz, Diane Urbani de la (3 August 2021). "'Cherokee' film available for streaming this week". Peninsula Daily News. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
- ^ "Remembering Wilma: The Cherokee Word For Water - Ms. Magazine". msmagazine.com. 28 January 2014. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
- ^ a b "'The Cherokee Word for Water' voted best American Indian film". cherokeephoenix.org. 25 November 2015. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
- ^ Smith, Michael (25 November 2012). "New film 'Cherokee Word for Water' shows pivotal moment in tribe's history". Tulsa World. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
- ^ "The Cherokee Word for Water screening set for San Francisco". Muskogee Phoenix. 3 November 2015. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
- ^ McDonnell, Brandy. "Native filmmakers are 'changing the narrative that history has kind of laid on us'". The Oklahoman. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
External links
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