Overview:
Cherokee Film used the Toronto International Film Festival to expand international industry relationships, showcase Oklahoma's growing production resources and highlight the importance of authentic Indigenous storytelling through its cultural consultation work on How We Stand.
Cherokee Film expanded its presence on the global film stage during the Toronto International Film Festival, connecting with filmmakers, producers and industry leaders from around the world while highlighting the growing opportunities for Indigenous storytelling and production in Oklahoma.
Held Sept. 10-15, the festival provided Cherokee Film with an opportunity to showcase its expertise in Indigenous filmmaking, cultural consultation and film production infrastructure while building relationships with members of the international film industry.
“The Toronto International Film Festival provides an important opportunity for Cherokee Film to connect with the broader film industry while staying focused on the areas where we can make the greatest impact,” said Jen Loren, senior director of Cherokee Film.
Loren noted that TIFF featured significant representation from Indigenous and First Nations filmmakers and talent, creating opportunities to raise awareness of authentic Native storytelling among a broader industry audience.
“Connecting here and raising awareness about authentic Native storytelling to the broader industry further reinforces the importance of having Indigenous voices at the table,” Loren said. “It also allows us to build relationships with filmmakers, producers and industry leaders who may not yet be familiar with the resources, expertise and opportunities available through Cherokee Film and Oklahoma’s growing film industry.”
She said those relationships are important to creating more opportunities for Indigenous talent and ensuring Indigenous stories are represented authentically on the global stage.
Showcasing Oklahoma’s Film Industry
For the first time, TIFF hosted an industry marketplace bringing together professionals from across film, television, series and innovation to buy, sell, finance, pitch and discover content.
Cherokee Film participated in the marketplace as part of a collaborative effort with Film USA. Alongside Tulsa Film, Music, Arts & Culture and the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, Cherokee Film helped present “Hollywood in the Heartland,” highlighting Oklahoma’s film ecosystem and the range of resources available to productions working in the state.
“Cherokee Film values our continued partnerships with local film commissions,” Loren said. “Working together to showcase all that Oklahoma has to offer this industry creates a strong message that is impactful and stands out amongst other film destinations.”
The collaboration also demonstrated how Cherokee Film is working with other Oklahoma organizations to attract productions and expand opportunities for filmmakers, crew members and other industry professionals.
Cherokee Film Provides Cultural Consultation for How We Stand
TIFF also marked the world premiere of How We Stand, a feature film written and directed by acclaimed Indigenous filmmaker Marie Clements.
The film follows a Cherokee family and examines the effects of the federal Indian Relocation policy. Cherokee Film Commission provided cultural consultation for the production, drawing on its expertise in Indigenous culture, storytelling and representation.
Cherokee Film Commission was recognized in the film’s credits, underscoring the organization’s role as an industry resource for productions seeking meaningful collaboration with Indigenous cultural experts.
“We take great pride in the cultural consultation services we provide and applaud productions that recognize the value of bringing Indigenous perspectives into the filmmaking process,” said Maggie Cunningham, senior manager of Cherokee Film Commission.
“Cultural consultation is an ongoing dialogue created to ensure that stories are told with authenticity, respect and a true understanding of living cultures,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham said the world premiere provided an opportunity to celebrate the film with Clements, Amber MidThunder and other members of the production team while strengthening relationships among Indigenous and First Nations filmmakers and industry professionals.
“These connections are at the heart of what we hope to build—stronger relationships and greater opportunities among Indigenous and First Nations filmmakers, cast, crew and industry professionals,” she said.
Building Narrative Sovereignty
Cherokee Film describes itself as the first tribally run film and media ecosystem in the United States. Its work includes cultural consultation, Native talent and crew directories, production infrastructure, workforce development and partnerships throughout Oklahoma.
The organization operates through four branches: Cherokee Film Productions, Cherokee Film Studios, Cherokee Film Commission and Cherokee Film Institute.
Together, the branches work to advance what Cherokee Film describes as “narrative sovereignty” while supporting economic development within the Cherokee Nation’s reservation.
Cherokee Film Productions develops, produces, promotes and distributes original film, television and other media projects focused on authentic Cherokee stories on behalf of the Cherokee Nation, its citizens and its businesses.
Its participation at TIFF reflects the organization’s broader effort to establish relationships beyond Oklahoma and create pathways for Indigenous filmmakers and stories to reach international audiences.
