Hey folks, This is one of the best reports on a type of film this site has ever had. Kiowa Scout has done an excellent job which includes rundowns on a ton of projects, where her interest sprouted from, as well as tidbits of a talk she had with Chris Eyre (director of my pic for best film of 1998 SMOKE SIGNALS) about working in and out of Hollywood and with the Weinsteins. Take a look folks... there is literally TONS of great info here... and it is only PART ONE! I can't even imagine what Kiowa Scout has in store for us with PART TWO!!!

UPCOMING NATIVE OR WESTERN-THEMED PROJECTS

Part One

Kiowa Scout here with news from the Native American film front. Western-themed films are currently enjoying an influx, somewhat generated by the moderate buzz surrounding the upcoming big studio effort "Wild Wild West". However, that is not reason enough to explain the resurgence of this once powerhouse genre. The good, old-fashioned Western is on the comeback trail, or is it?

Granted, the Western does come with its prerequisite icons. Yet, these icons are being retooled to encompass modern sensibilities. The age of political correctness has definitely had an impact on the formula used by modern filmmakers delving into this brand of storytelling. The age-old story of 'cowboys and Indians' is being retold by people who see things in more colors than black and white.

This die-hard movie fan grew up in the `60's at the tail end of the baby boom. I lived my childhood in a rural Oklahoma community led by whites but filled with Indians. Racial prejudice was a long standing way of life. This prejudice was viewed by Natives of the area as just another obstacle to overcome. In our family, whites were thought of as uneducated, socially backward, and with impenetrable minds. Therefore, discrimination was inevitable. As a child, I was neither surprised nor angered by these facts. You worked around them, not with them. 'Enlightened' whites were few and far between. In our family, a 'white man's education' was the only equalizer that worked. You were expected to learn the white man's rules for success. Then, turn around and beat them at their own game by being more clever and agile than the bumbling neanderthal white. My grandfather was a rabid fan of such series as "Gunsmoke" and "Bonanza". We would sit together as a family to watch, much the same as most people of the era. However, our understanding of the history was quite different. These films and television series provided my grandfather with a great teaching tool. He pointed out each discrepancy in story content. My siblings and I learned that the real story would not be seen on the screen for a long time to come. I saw fellow Natives portrayed by whites with body makeup and curio shop costume. For us, such misrepresentation was humorous. It was just another way that "ignorant white people" missed the boat so to speak. It was clearly understood that accurate representation would not be possible until 'white man educated Natives' worked their own way up the Hollywood ladder. Our time would come. Well, more than twenty years has passed since Westerns were popular on television. I have watched the progress made towards more accurate representation of Natives and their story, accomplished mostly by actors. Chief Dan George and 'Iron Eyes' Cody in the early '70's were cultural heroes. They were real Indians who actually "made it" to the screen. Indians appreciated the tremendous struggle that it must have taken to get there. As society grew up and recognized the diversity in itself, social restraints eased. Natives were allowed to represent themselves on screen. "One Flew Over The Cukoo's Nest" was monumental in Indian Country. Imagine, a Native actor in modern times and without a costume! The success of actor Will Sampson was loudly hailed by our people. Young Native Americans began to dream about embarking on a film career. They could now hope for entrance into the most exclusive community of all, Hollywood.

These days, sophisticated movie audiences come to expect political correctness in historical representation. Natives even have the luxury of exercising their own brands of favoritism in picking out actors for the still precious few screen roles that are specifically for them. Native casting directors are growing heady with the power of making or breaking the careers of their own. The Hollywood practice of cannibalism is now infecting the Native film community too. Progress does have its price.

On the other hand, Native writers and directors are benefiting from the resurgent popularity of the Western genre as well as the rising curiosity about Native culture. The California New Agers, in particular, look to Native religious practices for spiritual guidance. This curiosity has boiled over into Hollywood's film community. The 'powers that be' are ready to bank on the commercial viability of producing Native work.

The success of the film "Smoke Signals" is a benchmark of success for the burgeoning Native film community. Author Sherman Alexie already enjoys recognition among the literary elite as a major talent. He uses his knowledge and expertise in the white's English language to educate and enlighten them about today's American Indian. Director Chris Eyre uses his education at an elite white film school to portray Indian communities and lifestyles with more acumen than has ever been seen by mainstream society.

I spoke to Eyre recently about his views of working with Hollywood. "Smoke Signals" was developed by well-known Native advocate, the Sundance Film Institute. Founder Robert Redford has been a supporter of the Native community most of his career. His Sundance Institute actively seeks out Native film projects and artists to develop. His yearly festival specifically highlights these projects in an effort to find distribution.

"Smoke Signals" was picked up by the mavericks at Miramax. The powerhouse Weinstein brothers recognized the talent and bankability of the film. I believe that this marks the first time that a Native generated film received studio support. The director is quite forthcoming about his first experience with mainstream Hollywood. In his opinion the work that goes into the actual film is not the difficulty. As with most filmmakers the problem is "putting yourself in the financial situation to make a film".

Eyre enjoyed working with Miramax for several reasons. He says, "Number one is that they are savvy to the pulse of the movie going public. They are a young group. Number two is that they are masters at marketing their films. This last Academy awards is the best example of this so far. Number three is that they take chances. Harvey and Bob are non-conventional executives. They breathe life into the process of filmmaking".

He currently has two projects on the burner this year. One is being produced by Miramax. It marks his first foray into the mainstream arena. "Roustabout" stars Winona Ryder, who also happens to be a big supporter of the American Indian College Fund. He follows that with a project for cable television network Showtime. More detailed information is forthcoming in part two of my report.

Along with most film artists he bows to the reality that a director must have mainstream success in order to garner the financial support necessary to complete his dream projects. He has long wanted to film the life of noted Native political prisoner, Leonard Peltier. He hopes that his mainstream efforts will lead to the fruition of that work. Part Two

I am personally very excited about the sheer number of projects that are upcoming featuring Native actors and/or Western themes. This decade has heralded in a wave of good work done by Native film artists both in front of and behind the camera. This year alone we will see major filmmakers venturing into the genre.

Oscar winning director Richard Attenborough (Ghandi, Chaplin) nears completion of "Grey Owl". It stars Pierce Brosnan in the title role. Grey Owl was a white fur trapper who married into and lived among the Ojjibway tribe in Canada. The film chronicles the life of this early environmentalist whom the director met as a child. Oscar nominated Native actor Graham Greene (Dances with Wolves) and young unknown Ojjibway actress Annie Gallipeau are prominently featured. You can bet that the icon of the 'noble savage' will receive homage by this old school director.

An independent feature called "The Outfitters" is in the can. It was directed and written by Reverge Enselmo. The story revolves around two brothers in a small New Mexico cow town. I couldn't find information about a release date, which usually indicates that it lacks a distribution deal. This could mean that it might go straight to cable. This film stars Dana Delaney and Danny Nucci (Titanic). It features Native actor Steve Reevis (Geronimo: An American Legend).

Oscar nominated director/screenwriter Billy Bob Thornton is currently shooting Ted Tally's (Silence of the Lambs) script of Cormac McCarthy's novel "All the Pretty Horses" with Matt Damon. The novelist is known for the operatic violence of his writing. It is a coming of age story of two young Texan cowhands who find work for a Spanish rancher in Old Mexico. I believe it is scheduled for a fall release. I can't wait to see Billy Bob's take on the West. The reception to this film will have a definite impact on the future of this genre.

Steve Miner is set to direct John Milius' script for "Texas Rangers" coming from Dimension Films. It will star teen heartthrob James Van Der Beek and Dylan McDermott (The Practice). The story revolves around the original formation of these early lawmen and their charge to civilize the West. Having 'Mr. Dawson's Creek' will ensure a big budget and massive publicity. I read that Van Der Beek turned down numerous offers before accepting this role. It was originally set up to be a vehicle for the legendary director Sam Peckinpah. Filming is set for this summer to accommodate the stars' series hiatus.

Action star Jackie Chan is on the fast track with his "Shanghai Noon". Disney is co-producing along with Chan. The story revolves around the search for a kidnapped Chinese bride in Old Los Angeles. Chan said that he came up with this story after seeing "Dances with Wolves". He is just now commercially viable enough to film it. It is said to be similar in feel to "Rush Hour". Filming is set to begin this month. This should turn out warm, fuzzy, and cheesy. (HARRY NOTE: Which he may team up with SAMMO HUNG on this one)

Disney and SKG have two more rival animation projects in the works. SKG recently began production on "Spirit". It is the first DreamWorks film in CinemaScope. Seen from the point of view of a horse in the old west, who is captured by the calvary and broken in as a mount. No voices have been cast yet. I hope they steer clear of the stereotypical broken English native cadence. I'm tired of hearing various forms of that lingo spouted by TV's old 'Tonto'.

Refusing to be outdone, Disney is developing its own animated western, tentatively titled, "Sweating Bullets". Mike Gabriel (Pocahontas) is directing. I couldn't find anything else on this, so keep your eyes peeled.

AICN fave Quentin Tarantino recently completed the script of Elmore Leonard's novel "Forty Lashes" as a directing vehicle for himself. I hope that he makes this his next project. Miramax will produce with Lawrence Bender. It was nearly produced in the early `70's for William Friedkin and Jon Voight. This story revolves around two inmates, one black and one Indian, of Yuma Prison in Arizona who strike a deal through a rep for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be released. They must first track down five of the state's most dangerous prisoners who escaped during a transfer. I had the tremendous opportunity to meet this man who happens to be one of my all-time favorite directors in the world. I just had to tell him how MUCH I anticipate this one. No word on production schedule. The Quicker, the Better!

James Redford, son of Robert, is set to direct an adaptation of mystery writer Tony Hillerman's novel "Skinwalkers". It is being produced by Southfork Pictures. This story revolves around Officer Jim Chee and Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn of the Navaho Tribal Police. Chee survives his attempted murder to join Leaphorn in an investigation that involves the dark work of ritual, witchcraft, and blood. Skinwalkers are individuals who have not only forsaken the Navaho way of harmony, but have purposely inverted it. One of my all-time favorite literary characters is Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn. I am a great fan of this novelist, a fellow Oklahoman as well. I have always thought that his mysteries were perfect for the screen. I hear that Billy Wirth (Boys on the Side) is set to play Chee. I am disappointed in that choice. He is pretty, but his acting sucks. I hope that they pick an accomplished Native actor for Leaphorn. No word on a release date.

Noted author Sherman Alexie (Smoke Signals) is set to make his directorial debut with an adaptation of his novel "Indian Killer". He will reteam with Seattle-based ShadowCatcher Productions. It is a murder mystery in which Seattle is being terrorized by a murderer who leaves owl feathers at each killing as a seemingly Indian gesture. This leads to widespread racism and fear of Indians. Newcomer Evan Adams has a role. This project is still awaiting a greenlight.

Alexie is also adapting comic artist Timothy Truman's "Scout". Scout tells the story of an Apache warrior doing battle with crooked bureaucrats and mythological monsters in a post-holocaust United States. The character is a former green beret who returns to his reservation in order to protect his people. Alexie will adapt the hero to come from his own tribe, the Spokanes. Tommy Lee Jones purchased the film rights to another Cormac McCarthy novel, "Blood Meridian". Scott Rudin will produce. This is a particularly bloody tale of an effort to remove all the Native Americans living on the US./Mexican border in the 1840's. Word is that he hopes to direct it next year after Eastwood's "Space Cowboys". This could be trippy and cool, like "Platoon" or "Apocalypse Now". Another famous Asian, noted action director John Woo (MI:2, Face Off) is set to direct "Windtalkers". The story is set during WWII and follows a white GI who must protect a Navajo soldier using his native language as a code against the Japanese. I can't begin to tell you just how much this story means to Native America. There is no duty more sacred to Indians than to protect the people. Natives served in each of the US conflicts at twice the ratio of any other ethnic group. The code talkers on each front were instrumental to the war effort. Their code was unbreakable!

There is one outstanding effort in the theatre set for next year. With co-founder Gary Sinise signed on to star, Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater Co. will revive "One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest", playwright Dale Wasserman's adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel, in April 2000. Original theater company member, Terry Kinney will direct with Steppenwolf ensemble member Amy Morton in the role of Nurse Ratched. This is going to be one hell of an opportunity for a talented Native actor to shine! I have my choice picked out. Some television projects are also coming down the pike. TNT is set to produce a remake of "The Virginian" co-produced, directed by, and starring Bill Pullman. The remake will closely follow the original novel of Owen Wister. Western icon Dennis Weaver will play the arch antagonist. Filming is scheduled to begin in June.

Native American director Chris Eyre will co-produce an original movie for Showtime. "Two Moons and a Window" was written by a fellow Kiowa, N. Scott Momaday, a Pulitzer prize winning author. The story is set at an Indian boarding school called Carlysle. My family and Momaday's family come from the same church. At the centennial anniversary of Rainy Mountain Kiowa Indian Baptist Church he spoke about this story. At the time, it was a play set to make its debut in upstate New York. It revolved around two young homesick Kiowa boys who ran away from the school and became lost in a blizzard. They wanted to come back home to Oklahoma and our church. I don't know if the plot will undergo any major revisions. The film will also be co-produced by Beau and Jeff Bridges whom may also act in the film. No casting has been set. It is set to go before the cameras this fall.

Finally, there are a couple of non-Native projects that feature Natives in prominent roles. Graham Greene just may receive another Oscar nomination for "The Green Mile". He co-stars with Tom Hanks for director Frank Darabont. Greene portrays death-row inmate, Bitterbuck, in a story from Stephen King. It is scheduled to be released this fall.

Wes Studi (Geronimo: An American Legend, Last of the Mohicans) will co-star with Geoffrey Rush, William H. Macy, and an all-star cast in "Mystery Men". It is about seven misfit superheroes who must protect a city from a villain. I wonder if the 'king of stoic' can be funny? We'll see.

That's it for now Harry. The Kiowa Scout will continue spying to bring you more updates as I find them. I LOVE how Indians are back 'in vogue'. It makes me feel so good that I must do the victory cry, "LU-LU-LU-LU-LU-LU-LU"!!!

AH-HO
(thank you)