If you loved the emotional depth and raw storytelling of 'There There' (2022), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture similar themes of human connection, resilience, and introspection. Whether you're looking for more thought-provoking narratives or simply want to dive into stories that resonate on a personal level, this list has something for you.
Smoke Signals (1998)
Description: A groundbreaking film that portrays the journey of two young Native American men, blending humor and poignant storytelling to explore themes of identity, family, and reconciliation.
Fact: This was the first feature film to be written, directed, and co-produced by Native Americans, and it won the Audience Award and Filmmakers Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival.
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Edge of America (2003)
Description: A sports drama that follows a Black teacher who coaches a Native American girls' basketball team, exploring themes of cultural exchange, prejudice, and empowerment.
Fact: The film is based on a true story and was shot on the Navajo Nation reservation, featuring local actors and consultants.
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Four Sheets to the Wind (2007)
Description: A quiet, introspective film that follows a young Native American man as he navigates grief and self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of family and cultural roots.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Oklahoma and features a predominantly Native American cast, offering an authentic portrayal of contemporary Indigenous life.
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Rutherford Falls (2021)
Description: This series explores contemporary Indigenous identity and community dynamics, blending humor with deep cultural insights. It shares a focus on modern Native American life and the complexities of heritage in a changing world.
Fact: The show was co-created by Sierra Teller Ornelas, a Navajo writer, making it one of the few mainstream TV series with Indigenous creators at the helm.
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Barking Water (2009)
Description: A touching road movie that explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the passage of time through the journey of an elderly Native American couple.
Fact: The film was shot in Oklahoma and features dialogue in the Muscogee language, adding a layer of cultural authenticity.
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Dark Winds (2022)
Description: A crime drama set in the Navajo Nation, it delves into Indigenous perspectives and challenges, offering a gripping narrative that intertwines personal and cultural struggles.
Fact: Based on the Leaphorn & Chee novel series by Tony Hillerman, the show features an almost entirely Indigenous cast and creative team.
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Drunktown's Finest (2014)
Description: This film follows three young Navajo individuals as they navigate their identities and aspirations, offering a raw and honest look at life on the reservation.
Fact: The movie was partially funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, highlighting grassroots support for Indigenous storytelling.
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Mekko (2015)
Description: A gritty and atmospheric film about a homeless Native American man seeking redemption and community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, blending realism with spiritual undertones.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Tulsa and features many non-professional actors from the local homeless community.
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The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open (2019)
Description: A powerful, real-time drama that follows two Indigenous women as they navigate a crisis, highlighting themes of resilience, solidarity, and the impact of systemic violence.
Fact: The film was shot in a single continuous take, creating an immersive and intimate viewing experience.
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Night Raiders (2021)
Description: A dystopian sci-fi film that allegorically addresses the trauma of residential schools and the fight for Indigenous sovereignty, blending genre elements with deep social commentary.
Fact: The film is a co-production between Canada and New Zealand, drawing parallels between the colonial histories of both countries.
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