Film Lens
Oyate is a 2022 documentary directed by Brandon Jackson and Emil Benjamin that focuses on the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. The film features Indigenous activists and politicians, including Phyllis Young and Chase Iron Eyes, as they discuss the impact of the protests on modern tribal sovereignty. The narrative centers on the gathering of thousands at the Standing Rock reservation in solidarity with the Lakota people, highlighting the ongoing issues faced by Indigenous communities.
The film uses the #NoDAPL movement as a foundation to address broader topics affecting Indigenous people, such as systemic oppression, broken treaties, and cultural erasure. The latter part of the film follows key figures as they engage with state governments, Washington DC, and the United Nations, illustrating their efforts to advocate for Indigenous rights and raise awareness about their struggles.
Why Watch
- •Meet Indigenous activists like Phyllis Young and Chase Iron Eyes.
- •See the impact of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.
- •Find out how Indigenous leaders engage with the UN.
Did You Know
•Oyate premiered at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in 2022.
•The film has a 100% 'Fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on five reviews.
•Phyllis Young and Chase Iron Eyes are prominent figures featured in the film.
•The film has been screened at multiple festivals across the United States.
Perfect For
Indigenous rights activismEnvironmental protestsDocumentary film enthusiasts