April 15, 2018 - Te Ata Behind the Scenes, Part 2

Chickasaw Nation News

Produced by the Chickasaw Nation, the feature film Te Ata is being hailed for its directing, cinematography and acting. One particularly important aspect of the film's production process was the focus on getting historical details correct. "Te Ata was born in 1895, and she passed away in 1995, so that's the better part of the 20th century," says on-set Chickasaw historian Jeannie Barbour. "And the 20th century was such an extraordinary time for Indian people in American history." We also hear from several members of the film's cast, including Cindy Pickett, an established actress who was excited to return to her home state of Oklahoma to play Te Ata's drama teacher Miss Davis. Celebrated actor Gil Birmingham, who plays Te Ata's father, Thomas Benjamin Thompson, remarks on the inspiring story of the iconic Chickasaw storyteller. Mackenzie Astin discusses the process to open up the character of Dr. Clyde Fisher, Te Ata's husband. And acclaimed actress Q'Orianka Kilcher describes her character's romance with Clyde and the thrill of inhabiting such an impactful woman. This film is shot exclusively in Oklahoma, meaning that local landmarks and faces are on display—even when the film takes us to New York and Washington, D.C., all of the filming took place right here at home. Visit www.ChickasawFilms.com to learn more.

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