June 1, 2018 – Te Ata Behind the Scenes, Part 5

Chickasaw Nation News

In this fifth segment behind the scenes of the feature film Te Ata, we see some of the artifacts provided by Chickasaw citizens for use in the production. Darrell Underwood supplied star Q'orianka Kilcher with a bow that was made for him by his grandfather and taught her how to use it for her storytelling performances in the film. Kilcher applauds the Chickasaw Nation for its role in creating the movie, which makes it different from a typical Hollywood production: "To me, it's so important to mentor and reinvest in the communities where you're filming." She also talks about being able to draw on her background in music and dance for her role of Te Ata, and what the performance means for her as an indigenous woman. Part of the special quality of the film was her opportunity to meet members of Te Ata's family, including the storyteller's nephew, John Cole. Cole gifted Kilcher with a concha belt that belonged to Te Ata, which she wore in the movie and focused her attention on between takes. She explains that all of the authentic props helped to ground her in the cultural setting and to connect her to the personality of Te Ata. Anyone who wants to examine items and photographs that belonged to the iconic storyteller can see them now as part of a special exhibit at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, which runs through September. Visit www.TeAtaTheMovie.com to learn more and to get your copy of the film, now available on DVD and Blu-ray.

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