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New York, NY – November 25, 2024 – Now available, exclusively on AMC+, is the streamer’s first-ever “Celebrating Indigenous Stories” collection, featuring thought-provoking series and films from and starring Indigenous creatives and talent across AMC Networks including the critically acclaimed drama Dark Winds, starring and executive produced by the legendary Zahn McClarnon, and IFC Film’s Emmy-winning Lakota Nation vs. United States, among other titles.
Also included in the special collection, and as part of the company’s “Future of Film” initiative, which partners with indie film festivals that feature emerging talent from historically excluded communities, is the company’s first-ever “Indigenous Rising Stars” collection. The inspiring compilation of short films from The Santa Fe International Film Festival’s Indigenous Program was created and curated by legendary actor Gary Farmer (Reservation Dogs) and is available November 25 through December 24.
“We’re proud to partner with The Santa Fe International Film Festival to champion authentic stories from underrepresented voices,” said Courtney Thomasma, EVP of Linear and Streaming Products at AMC Networks. “We’re excited for audiences to discover these compelling stories from both established and emerging Indigenous talent during Native American Heritage Month on AMC+ as we look ahead to a new season of Dark Winds premiering in March 2025.”
“Celebrating Indigenous Stories” features several AMC Networks original series including Sundance Now’s gripping crime drama Black Snow, dark comedy Good Grief, crime dramedy Far North and Australian political drama Total Control; SundanceTV’s tense thriller The Red Road and Aboriginal sci-fi series Cleverman; IFC Films’ Emmy-winning Lakota Nation vs. United States, among others. Most notable is the inclusion of praised noir drama Dark Winds which returns with all new episodes exclusively on AMC and AMC+ on Sunday, March 9. The first two seasons of the critically lauded series, which also stars Kiowa Gordon (The Red Road, Roswell, New Mexico), Jessica Matten (Rez Ball, Tribal, Burden of Truth) and Deanna Alison (Accused, Edge of America), have perfect 100-point scores on Rotten Tomatoes.
The inaugural “Indigenous Rising Stars” collection of thought-provoking, touching, and diverse short films, invites the audience on a journey into the lives and cultures of Indigenous communities, showcasing the cinematic creativity of Indigenous filmmakers.
“These exciting and up-and-coming filmmakers represent the remarkable filmmaking happening from indigenous filmmakers throughout the U.S. We’re thrilled that AMC Networks is providing these brilliant filmmakers the wide platform they deserve and we’re sure to hear more from these inspiring voices in the future.” Jacques Paisner, Santa Fe International Film Festival Artistic Director.
About the Short Films Featured in the “Indigenous Rising Stars” Collection:
- Lily Gladstone: Far Out There – Filmmaker Brooke Pepion Swaney profiles actress Lily Gladstone as she prepares for the release of “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Drawing from her childhood on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana and her peripatetic life as a professional actor, Gladstone learns to stand on her own two feet in order to make her voice heard.
- Long Line of Ladies – Directed by Rayka Zehtabchi and Shaandiin Tome, and made in association with The Pad Project, Long Line of Ladiestells the story of a girl and her community as they prepare for her Ihuk, the once-dormant coming of age ceremony of the Karuk tribe of Northern California.
- I Am Home – A short film directed by Kymon Greyhorse exploring the beauty of Diné (Navajo) architecture, the Female Hogan.
- Pî-kiwîk – In this heartfelt, short documentary, Keisha Erwin shares their transformative journey of reconnecting with their family and culture in Northern Saskatchewan, demonstrating the power of healing through reconnection.
- The Original Shareholder Experience – An Indigenous TV presenter must contend with her career and her credibility when her superiors ask her to sell a genocidal product on live television.
About AMC Networks:
AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and is the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The Company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and We TV; and film distribution labels IFC Films and RLJE Films. The Company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite original franchises including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe; and AMC Networks International, its international programming business.
About The Santa Fe International Film Festival
The Santa Fe International Film Festival (https://santafe.film/) (SFiFF) is dedicated to celebrating artistic excellence in film, showcasing a diverse range of international and independent cinema. An Oscar qualifying festival, the winners of the Best Animated Short, Best Narrative Short, and Best Documentary Short categories at the festival are eligible for Oscar submission. Since its founding in 2009, SFiFF has become New Mexico’s largest and most anticipated film event. With more than 300 hours of programming, the festival has hosted luminaries such as Oliver Stone, Shirley MacLaine, and Robert Redford, while presenting an array of critically acclaimed films, from Academy Award® winners to indie gems. Beyond its annual October event, SFiFF enriches Santa Fe’s artistic landscape and extends the city’s tourism season, making it a dynamic hub for cinematic and cultural innovation. SFiFF provides professional opportunities for artists, and unmatched audience participation in the world’s greatest little film city.