New Film Shows Native Americans are Invisible in Mainstream Hollywood

According to the screen actors guild (SAG) Native Americans represent less than 0.02 percent of the actor speaking roles on network TV and in mainstream films (2004 SAG report). The majority of Natives are "background extras" and a minimal few land "guest starring parts." Supporting and lead acting roles are virtually nonexistent. A new documentary called "Natives in Hollywood: How far have we come?" addresses these issues by interviewing today's struggling Native filmmakers in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) October 25, 2006 -- Native Americans have become invisible as modern human beings in the 100 years of Hollywood filmmaking. They are still regarded in the mainstream as "Warriors" or "Indian Princesses." Recent examples are the 2005 Western "Into the West" (TNT) and the period piece "The New World." It will continue in 2007 with "Comanche Moon" (CBS) and scheduled for 2008 "Bury my heart at wounded knee (HBO). Natives are still entrenched in the American West.

Producer and director Roscoe Pond asks filmmakers, "How far have we come? Where have we been? How important are Independent films to us? What part will Indian Gaming play in the future of our filmmaking?"

Independent film director Tim Ramos (California Indian) says that Hollywood has consciously made efforts to involve "Native American" technical advisors on productions. It really doesn't matter with the final product because films with Natives in them are still faced with stereotypes. The "eagle flying above" and the "flute playing in the background" are just a few of the misconceptions Hollywood lives by.

Victoria Regina (Red Blood) believes that writers, directors and casting agents have to be willing to take a chance on casting Natives in non-traditional roles. She champions CBS casting director Fern Orenstein who has made an effort to find work for us.

Sonny Skyhawk (Young Guns) states that, "In the 105 years of filmmaking 'our' image has been taken. Hollywood has relied on misconceptions of who 'we' are as a people."

Delanna Studi (Dreamkeeper) adds, "The stereotypes are finally being thrown away. We're taking baby steps, but we've got a long way to go. At least it isn't 50 years ago when non-native people were putting on the make-up to portray us. Natives are now playing Natives."

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