In recent years, on-screen Indigenous representation has surged, bringing Native faces, cultures, languages and stories to viewers around the world.
In January 2024, the Biskinik shared with readers a list of current and upcoming Indigenous film and television projects. Much has happened since the publication of that article.
In this month’s issue, we bring you several examples of not only Indigenous media, but also the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ involvement in projects, as well as Choctaw actors, writers, producers and set designers who are making their mark on the industry.
Echo
In 2024, “Echo” premiered on Disney+, introducing Marvel fans to Choctaw culture, language, and stories through Choctaw superhero Maya Lopez, played by actress Alaqua Cox (Menominee). Like her character, Cox is deaf and a partial amputee, making her the first Indigenous superhero and one of the first actresses with a disability to star in a leading role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Disney and Marvel approached the project and its cultural representation with respect and research.
Teresa Billy, assistant director of the Chahta Anumpa Aiikhvna, served as the official translator for the show, ensuring the accurate use of Choctaw and allowing viewers to watch a fully subtitled version on Disney+.
Sinners
Last year, Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” not only broke records, but also offered Choctaw representation on the big screen in a huge way.
Set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta, the film’s main characters confront a supernatural evil during what was supposed to be a night of fun and debauchery at their newly opened juke joint.
The film stars Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Canton and Jack O’Connell. The critically acclaimed movie grossed $368 million and made history with 16 Oscar nominations, the most ever for a single film. “Sinners” won four Critics’ Choice Awards and was nominated for seven Golden Globes.
The filmmakers consulted with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians on cultural accuracy and language, and featured Mississippi Choctaw tribal members, including a posse of Choctaw vampire hunters, stunt drivers and horseback scouts. Some of the Choctaws involved in the film were Tobiah Ben, Mark Patrick, Jay Wesley and Eric Willis. Jaeden Wesley performed an opening war chant, an exciting and historic use of Choctaw language in a major motion picture.
“Sinners” is available to stream on HBO Max.
Brave
Dallas Goldtooth (Mdewakantonwan), Amber Midthunder (Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux), Wes Studi (Cherokee) and the late Graham Greene (Oneida) will soon star in “Brave,” a dramedy from Indigenous director Steven Paul Judd (Kiowa/Choctaw).
The film follows Uncle Jack, a veteran who reconnects with his orphaned niece, Jillian, who is dying.
Jillian’s last wish is to find a home for her dog, and a liver transplant could save her life. Jack is a match, but his years of alcohol abuse prevent him from helping in the way he believes he should.
There is no set release date for “Brave.” However, the Biskinik will share updates as they become available.
Carly Buckets
“Carly Buckets,” a 2025 short documentary directed by Choctaw filmmaker Mark D. Williams, is gaining national attention for its portrait of young Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians basketball standout Carly “Buckets” Keats.
The award-winning film highlights Keats’ journey and her community’s support, while also focusing on resilience within Indigenous communities.
\The documentary has won Best Short Documentary at the 2025 Gallup Film Festival and Best Documentary at Check The Gate Film Festival. It was also selected for the JXN Film Festival and featured at the Holba’ Pisachi’ Native Film Festival.
“Carly Buckets” is part of Williams’ work spotlighting Indigenous youth and culture.
“For me, telling these types of stories is the opportunity to tell it the right way. From our own voices and perspectives, filmmaking gives us a way to do that. There is a sense of pride when we see people we know, or who look like us, being represented on the big screen. With my film, ‘Carly Buckets,’ it was important for me to show not only her talents as a basketball player but her struggles as well,” said Williams. “What she went through was something a lot of our Native youths could relate to within their own communities. I hope our young people see that reflected on screen and know that their stories matter.”
Williams would like to thank the Keats family for allowing him to tell their stories.
“Some were tough to tell, but their contribution helped shape my film,” Williams said.
He would also like to thank the University of Arkansas, Carly’s past and present coaches for their contributions.
He most of all thanks Carly Keats for “trusting me with putting her journey out there for the World to be inspired from,” said Williams. “Yakoke.”
Readers can watch the film and more of Williams’ projects on the Digital Feather Media YouTube page.
Williams and Digital Feather Media are in post-production on “There’s No Crying in Stickball,” which follows the underdog Tvshka Homma Ohoyo stickball team as it competes in the World Series of Stickball in Mississippi. Filmed across the Choctaw Nation and funded in part by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the documentary features tribal members, including Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr. and Chief Gary Batton.
For updates on the film’s progress, visit the There’s No Crying in Stickball Facebook page.
More to Check Out
There are so many great examples of Indigenous representation in film and television, and the list continues to grow. Below is a short list of recommended titles. For more, visit biskinik.com.
Reservation Dogs TV-MA • Drama, Crime, Comedy • 2021-2023 • Hulu
“Reservation Dogs” is a half-hour comedy about four Indigenous teens in rural Oklahoma trying to get to California. Created by Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Muscogee) and Taika Waititi (Māori/Te Whānau-ā-Apanui), the award-winning series features an all-Indigenous team and an acclaimed cast, with authentic stories of reservation life . Streaming now on Hulu and Disney+.
North of North TV-14 • Comedy • 2025-Present • CBC, APTN, Netflix
“North of North” is a Canadian comedy series about an optimistic young woman who tries to reinvent herself in her small Arctic hometown, where everyone knows each other’s business. The show was created by Stacey Aglok (Inuk) and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Inuk). Filming for season 2 is currently under way. Streaming now on Netflix.
This Issue
Sterlin Harjo’s “The Lowdown,” featuring Choctaw tribal members Siena East as Deidre and Alyssa Cawthon as costume designer.
Steven Paul Judd’s work in Hollywood, including his writing for the series “Dark Winds,” starring Zahn McClarnon (Hunkpapa Lakota) and Kiowa Jordan (Hualapai).
Learn about Choctaw tribal members, including Mike Mushulatubbe Simpson, who are working as background actors in film and television.
Readers can find an update on Choctaw tribal member J.P. Gauna and his continued success in film and television.