The Cherokee Word for Water
“The story of Wilma Mankiller, the first modern female Chief of the Cherokee Nation.”
Synopsis
The Cherokee Word for Water is a feature-length motion picture that tells the story of the work that led Wilma Mankiller to become the first modern female Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Set in the early 1980s, The Cherokee Word for Water begins in the homes of a small town in rural Oklahoma where many houses lack running water and others are little more than shacks. The movie is told from the perspective of Wilma Mankiller and full-blood Cherokee organizer Charlie Soap who join forces to battle opposition and build a 16-mile waterline system using a community of volunteers. In the process, they inspire the townspeople to trust each other, to trust their way of thinking, and to spark a reawakening of the universal indigenous values of reciprocity and interconnectedness. This project also inspired a self-help movement in Indian Country that continues to this day. The movie is dedicated to Wilma Mankiller’s vision, compassion and incredible grace.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Release History & Theatrical Window
May 1, 2013
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Charlie Soap, Tim Kelly
- Screenplay & Story
- Louise Rubacky, Tim Kelly, Gary Miranda
- Original Title
- The Cherokee Word for Water
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 32m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Charlie Soap, Tim Kelly
Louise Rubacky, Tim Kelly, Gary Miranda
Louise Rubacky
Charlie Soap, Louise Rubacky, Kristina Kiehl, Perry Pickert, Paul M. Heller
Department Leadership Roster
Charlie Soap
Producer
Charlie Soap
Director
Tim Kelly
Director
Louise Rubacky
Writer
Louise Rubacky
Producer
Louise Rubacky
Editor
Kristina Kiehl
Producer
Perry Pickert
Producer
Tim Kelly
Writer
Gary Miranda
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Cherokee Word for Water.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Cherokee Word for Water.
list4
500 best 2013's movies
Indigenous Movies
Movies featuring american indians
Native American Movies
native
based on a true story
Similar Titles to The Cherokee Word for Water
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
7.5
6.3
6.1
7.6
7.5
5.4
7.1
7.0
7.5
4.5
7.6
6.9
6.9
7.4
6.6
7.2
6.4
5.5
More Like The Cherokee Word for Water
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Cherokee Word for Water
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Cherokee Word for Water about?
The Cherokee Word for Water is a feature-length motion picture that tells the story of the work that led Wilma Mankiller to become the first modern female Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Set in the early 1980s, The Cherokee Word for Water begins in the homes of a small town in rural Oklahoma where many houses lack running water and others are little more than shacks. The movie is told from the perspective of Wilma Mankiller and full-blood Cherokee organizer Charlie Soap who join forces to battle opposition and build a 16-mile waterline system using a community of volunteers. In the process, they inspire the townspeople to trust each other, to trust their way of thinking, and to spark a reawakening of the universal indigenous values of reciprocity and interconnectedness. This project also inspired a self-help movement in Indian Country that continues to this day. The movie is dedicated to Wilma Mankiller’s vision, compassion and incredible grace.
Who directed The Cherokee Word for Water?
The Cherokee Word for Water was directed by Charlie Soap, Tim Kelly.
Who stars in The Cherokee Word for Water?
The principal cast of The Cherokee Word for Water includes Kimberly Guerrero, Mo J., Steeve Reeves, Darryl Tonemah, Oren R. Lyons.
When was The Cherokee Word for Water released and how long is it?
The Cherokee Word for Water was released in 2013 with a total runtime of 1h 32m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Cherokee Word for Water?
The Cherokee Word for Water holds official age classifications: US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).