Mobilized a Generation and Fueled a Movement for Youth-Led Change
ON SACRED GROUND
About
On Sacred Ground is a gripping drama based on the true events of the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests at Standing Rock. The film follows journalist and Afghanistan War veteran Daniel (William Mapother) as he’s hired to write favorably about the pipeline but finds himself drawn to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s fight to protect their land. Opposing him is Elliot (David Arquette), an oil executive, as tensions rise in one of the most significant Native American-led movements in modern history.
Written by Josh and Rebecca Tickell and William Mapother, the film was made in collaboration with the Sioux Tribe to ensure authenticity. With a star-studded cast including Amy Smart, Frances Fisher, Irene Bedard, and Mariel Hemingway, On Sacred Ground delivers a powerful and timely story about truth, resistance, and the fight for sacred lands.
YEAR: 2023
GENRE: DOCUMENTARY
PRODUCERS / DIRECTORS: JOSH TICKELL & REBECCA TICKELL
Impact
On Sacred Ground brought renewed attention to the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests, where nearly 15,000 individuals, including members from over 300 Native American tribes, united at Standing Rock to oppose the pipeline’s construction through sacred lands. The film’s release coincided with a broader movement advocating for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental protection, reflecting the ongoing relevance of these issues. Its recognition at the 2022 Red Nation Film Festival—securing awards for Best Picture, Best Lead Actress (Kerry Knuppe), Best Supporting Actor (David Midthunder), and Achievement in Directing—underscores its cultural significance. By dramatizing the events at Standing Rock, the film contributed to a sustained discourse on Indigenous rights and environmental justice, reinforcing the importance of these conversations in contemporary society.
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