Native Actors and Filmmakers

Discover the unique lives and career paths of 12 Indigenous people who are actively working in the complex entertainment industry, either in front of or behind the camera. In addition to acting, their work includes motion picture, television and digital production in such roles as director, producer, writer, cinematographer and editor. Included in these biographies are real-world descriptions of what each member of a production team does, as well as advice on what it takes to get started in the entertainment industry. The glossary in the back of the book highlights the terminology used in TV/film production, and the list of resources provides a variety of ways to obtain additional information about the industry. B/W photos. Irene Bedard: Inupiat, Yupik, Inuit, Cree, Métis actor Tantoo Cardinal: Métis, Cree, Dene, Nakota actor Christopher Nataanii Cegielski: Diné (Navajo) writer, producer and director Sydney Freeland: Diné (Navajo) writer and director Kimberly Norris Guerrero: Colville actor, writer, producer and educator Michael Horse: Yaqui actor Jack Kohler: Hupa actor, producer, director and educator Doreen Manuel: Secwepemc/Ktunaxa producer, director and educator Alanis Obomsawin: Abenaki producer and director Randy Redroad: Cherokee writer, director and editor Gilbert Salas: Indigenous Mexican-American cinematographer and director of photography Ian Skorodin: Choctaw writer and director