TORONTO — Cherokee Film expanded its reach on the global film stage during the Toronto International Film Festival, building connections with filmmakers, producers and industry leaders from around the world. The festival, Sept. 10 – 15, provided a platform for Cherokee Film to demonstrate its expertise in Indigenous filmmaking, cultural consultation and film production infrastructure.
“The Toronto International Film Festival provides an important opportunity for Cherokee Film to connect with the broader film industry while staying focused on the areas where we can make the greatest impact,” said Jen Loren, senior director of Cherokee Film. “TIFF includes a strong, undeniable representation of Indigenous and First Nations filmmakers and talent. Connecting here and raising awareness about authentic Native storytelling to the broader industry further reinforces the importance of having Indigenous voices at the table. It also allows us to build relationships with filmmakers, producers and industry leaders who may not yet be familiar with the resources, expertise and opportunities available through Cherokee Film and Oklahoma’s growing film industry. These conversations are critical to creating more opportunities for Indigenous talent and ensuring authentic Indigenous stories have a place on the global stage.”
For the first time, the festival hosted an industry marketplace to bring together professionals across film, series, and innovation to buy, sell, finance, pitch, and discover great content.
Cherokee Film participated in the market as part of a collaborative effort with Film USA. Joined by Tulsa Film, Music, Arts & Culture and the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, “Hollywood in the Heartland” showcased the span of Oklahoma’s film ecosystem and the stackable resources available to productions.
“Cherokee Film values our continued partnerships with local film commissions,” said Loren. “Working together to showcase all that Oklahoma has to offer this industry creates a strong message that is impactful and stands out amongst other film destinations.”
The festival also marked the world premiere of How We Stand, a feature film that tells the story of a Cherokee family and the effects of the federal Indian Relocation policy, written and directed by acclaimed Indigenous filmmaker Marie Clements. Cherokee Film Commission provided cultural consultation for the film, bringing its expertise in Indigenous culture, storytelling and representation to the production. Recognized in the film’s credits, the commission’s involvement reaffirms Cherokee Film’s role as a trusted industry resource for productions seeking meaningful collaboration.
“We take great pride in the cultural consultation services we provide and applaud productions that recognize the value of bringing Indigenous perspectives into the filmmaking process,” said Maggie Cunningham, senior manager of Cherokee Film Commission. “Cultural consultation is an ongoing dialogue created to ensure that stories are told with authenticity, respect and a true understanding of living cultures. Having the opportunity to celebrate How We Stand and its world premiere with writer and director Marie Clements, Amber MidThunder and other members of the film’s team made the experience particularly meaningful. These connections are at the heart of what we hope to build—stronger relationships and greater opportunities among Indigenous and First Nations filmmakers, cast, crew and industry professionals.”
Cherokee Film is the first tribally run film and media ecosystem in the U.S. Cherokee Film’s expertise supports cultural consultation, Native talent and crew directories, production infrastructure, workforce development and collaboration with partners across Oklahoma.
It operates within four distinct branches — Cherokee Film Productions, Cherokee Film Studios, Cherokee Film Commission and Cherokee Film Institute — all working toward a shared goal of innovating narrative sovereignty while creating economic development within the tribe’s reservation. Cherokee Film Productions develops, produces, promotes and distributes a variety of original content in film, TV and other media that tells authentic Cherokee stories on behalf of the tribe, its people and its businesses.