Blake Pickens Boards Brenda Fisher Doc ‘Reservation Redemption’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for stories that resonate and inspire, I am thrilled about the upcoming documentary “Reservation Redemption.” Having spent years immersed in the rich tapestry of diverse cinematic narratives, I can confidently say that this project stands out as one that promises to make an indelible impact.

Film director Brenda Fisher (Yakama) has welcomed Chickasaw native, Blake Pickens, as a collaborator on her debut project, the documentary titled “Reservation Redemption”.

Fisher and Pickens, the creators behind “Wild Indian,” are set to share both directing and producing duties on this upcoming project. Brice Fisher, a member of the Siletz tribe and son of Brenda Fisher, will serve as an assistant producer.

Titled “Reservation Redemption,” the movie provides a distinctive perspective on Native Americans, who are the most incarcerated racial group in Washington State. The synopsis goes as follows: This film charts the remarkable transformation of Charles “Chief” Marchand Rice (Colville), from a teenager serving a life sentence without parole for murder, to a revered figure across Washington State’s prison system. During his time in prison as a young man, Chief encountered Francis Cullooyah, a Kalispel spiritual guide, who posed a question that would forever change his life: “Who do you want to become when you grow up?” The movie traces his journey from this transformative encounter to his ‘Red Road’ to redemption, revealing his unwavering dedication to cultural preservation and spiritual healing, which continues to inspire countless others today.

Speaking to EbMaster, Pickens expressed, “Growing up, many members of my family lived paycheck-to-paycheck, making prison reform a deeply personal matter for me. When Brenda shared the story of Reservation Redemption with me, I immediately recognized its potential impact and felt compelled to become involved.

This documentary will blend together research findings, conversations with activists, narratives of past events, and detailed discussions with specialists to delve into the intricacies of prison systems, indigenous cultures, and the families impacted by systemic oppression.

Brenda Fisher, the host of the “Reservation Redemption” podcast that highlights Native American tales and perspectives, as well as executive producer of the horror-thriller “The Windigo,” shared her thoughts: “I saw a boy from the Yakama Reservation lose his way, which led to a life behind bars. Many years passed, and when he emerged, he was now a man who embraced his culture, acknowledged his past mistakes, and forged a new path for himself.

She continued by expressing that it’s their aim to reveal the damage inflicted on Native families due to the erosion of culture, which has perpetuated generational trauma and unfavorable repercussions stemming from ignorance about one’s ancestry, encompassing the effects of how we are perceived globally.

The term ‘Reservation Redemption’ refers to a financially-backed initiative, overseen by the International Documentary Association (IDA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing documentary filmmakers and assisting them in fundraising for their projects. Notably, this project was also awarded an initial research grant by Vision Maker Media, an organization that champions projects reflective of Native American and Alaska Native cultures, experiences, and viewpoints.

Brenda Fisher is represented legally by Joshua R. Lastine, who works at Lastine Entertainment Law, while Pickens is represented by Brittany Meckelborg from Sheree Guitar Entertainment.

2024-09-13 21:16

Blake Pickens Boards Brenda Fisher Doc ‘Reservation Redemption’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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