May 1, 2018 – Te Ata Behind the Scenes, Part 3

Chickasaw Nation News

Another look behind the scenes of the film Te Ata features a visit to the set by Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, who commends the storyteller's contributions and explains the obligation of the Chickasaw Nation to document her inspiring life. On-set historian Jeannie Barbour introduces some of the real locations from Te Ata Thompson Fisher's life that are featured in the film. These include Tishomingo High School, where Te Ata was second in her class, and the Oklahoma College for Women (now the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma), where she became the first Native American student to graduate. Barbour also tells the story of Te Ata's ultimately successful struggle to be accepted into the theater program at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh. We hear from Chickasaw actress Jenni Mabrey, who plays Te Ata's aunt Bettie Johnston, about the significance of the Chickasaw Nation producing this film. And Lona Barrick, Chickasaw Nation Executive Officer of Cultural Tourism, discusses her role in the movie and the fresh look that Oklahomans will get at the beauty of their state. 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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