Back in October we showed you the trailer for a new Native American Sci-Fi flick called Legends from the Sky. The movie is about a Native American Veteran who is dealing with survivor's guilt after a disastrous military tour. On top of this, he is forced to search for his missing grandfather after his ancestral land is mysteriously taken over by an Unknown Federal Organization.
In case you missed it the first time around, here's the trailer:
Looks awesome right? You might be familiar with the director's more comedic films like More Than Frybread. So how did director Travis Holt Hamilton end up writing a science fiction piece this time?
“I wanted to make a movie that gave me new experience in a film genre that I had never worked in before. For a long time, I've had an idea to make a Native thriller film. I enjoy the science fiction and suspense genre and this story gave me the opportunity to get in and play with a different style of filmmaking. Legends from the Sky allowed me to learn a ton about special effects and the magic that the effects can bring to a story.
I really want to be a great filmmaker and part of that process is experimenting with different genres. I've always felt that I need to make a dozen feature films before I can really call myself a filmmaker. This is number five. I'm very excited to bring Legends to Native country. There aren't too many, if any, Native American Science Fiction films out there. My hope is that this film changes that.”
When casting for this film, Hamilton was not only looking for seasoned actors, but those that could speak Navajo confidently. So that means there are some newcomers to the big screen in the mix! Let's meet some of the cast of this much anticipated film.
LYLE: Edsel Pete (Navajo) is an experienced Marine Corps combat veteran. He is fluent in Navajo and currently is the Veteran Affairs Department Manager with the Navajo Nation. This is his first leading role in a feature film.
TANYA: Mia Sable (Choctaw) is a professional actress and award-winning singer songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. She is best known for her theme song on Bravo TV's Southern Charm. This is her first leading role in a feature film.
TOM: Ernie Tsosie III (Navajo) is an award-winning comedian, actor and motivational speaker since 1996. He has had a role in all of Holt Hamilton's films. His acting and comedic background bring a nice mix into his first Native Ufologist role.
BAHE: James Bilagody (Navajo) is a well-known comedian, songwriter and actor. He has been in two other Holt Hamilton films. His background in Navajo culture and life on the reservation give great depth to draw from for his starring role as a Navajo Ranger.
CHEI: Thomas H. Begay (Navajo) is a celebrated Navajo Code Talker and a Korean War Veteran who is a Chosin Few survivor. He spends much of his time talking to groups about WWII and the important the Navajo Code Talkers played in it. This is his first lead role in a feature film.
CHAIRMAN: Wayne Charles Baker (Squamish) is an experienced Canadian actor who has worked on such shows as North of 60, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Pathfinder, Arctic Air, X-Files and Blackstone. His rich acting depth comes across the screen nicely as he plays the important Makah Chairman.
CARL: Jon Gonzalez (Chiricahua Apache) is a professional actor, model and public speaker. He recently purchased a ranch in central New Mexico where he is living his dream. His performance in Legends adds a rich tapestry that makes his character quite unique.
And as promised, we told you we'd let you know when the film was set to be released. The rumors are still showing a January 2015 release date and it looks like we have a list of confirmed cities to share with you as well! So if you're in Tucson, AZ; Tempe, AZ; Roswell, NM; Gallup, NM; Farmington, NM; Durango, CO; Oklahoma City, OK; and Denver, CO you'll be able to see the movie at a local theater to be announced. Don't worry if you don't see your city listed. There's still time for you to call your local theater and request a screening.
Make sure you follow Legends from the Sky on Facebook for up to date information on screening and showtimes!
