Fighting Indians
Synopsis
On May 16th, 2019, the State of Maine made history by passing LD 944 An Act to Ban Native American Mascots in All Public Schools, the first legislation of its kind in the country. For Maine's tribal nations, the landmark legislation marked an end to a decades long struggle to educate the public of the harms of Native American mascotry. Fighting Indians chronicles the last and most contentious holdout in that struggle, the homogeneously white Skowhegan High School, known for decades as "The Home of the Indians". This is the story of a small New England community forced to reckon with its identity, its sordid history, and future relationship with its indigenous neighbors. It is a story of a small town divided against the backdrop of a nation divided where the "mascot debate" exposes centuries old abuses while asking if reconciliation is possible.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Maulian Dana
Self - Penobscot Nation Ambassador
Barry Dana
Self - Former Chief, Penobscot Nation
James Eric Francis
Self - Penobscot Tribal Historian
Dwayne Tomah
Self - Passamaquoddy Nation
John Bear Mitchell
Self - Penobscot, Professor
Dawn Neptune Adams
Self - Penobscot Filmmaker
Dena Rose Joseph
Self - Aroostook Band of Micmacs
Mike Wise
Self - Sports Journalist
Dave McKenna
Self - Sports Journalist
Jesse Seinfeldt
Self - Sports Psychologist
Al Carroll
Self - Historian, Professor
Jeffery Powers-Beck
Self - Literary Historian
Zach Heiden
Self - Chief Counsel ACLU, Maine
Release History & Theatrical Window
Maine Film Center - final cut
Festival / Special Debut
June 16, 2023
VOD & Digital Platforms
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Derek Ellis, Mark Cooley
- Screenplay & Story
- Ryan Griffis, Derek Ellis, Mark Cooley
- Original Score
- Stephen Balgooyen, Mark Cooley
- Original Title
- Fighting Indians
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Production Studios
- Stove Up Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Derek Ellis, Mark Cooley
Ryan Griffis, Derek Ellis, Mark Cooley
Stephen Balgooyen, Mark Cooley
Mark Cooley, Ryan Griffis
Department Leadership Roster
Derek Ellis
Director
Mark Cooley
Director
Mark Cooley
Editor
Ryan Griffis
Writer
Derek Ellis
Writer
Mark Cooley
Writer
Stephen Balgooyen
Original Music Composer
Ryan Griffis
Editor
Mark Cooley
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Fighting Indians.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fighting Indians
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Fighting Indians about?
On May 16th, 2019, the State of Maine made history by passing LD 944 An Act to Ban Native American Mascots in All Public Schools, the first legislation of its kind in the country. For Maine's tribal nations, the landmark legislation marked an end to a decades long struggle to educate the public of the harms of Native American mascotry. Fighting Indians chronicles the last and most contentious holdout in that struggle, the homogeneously white Skowhegan High School, known for decades as "The Home of the Indians". This is the story of a small New England community forced to reckon with its identity, its sordid history, and future relationship with its indigenous neighbors. It is a story of a small town divided against the backdrop of a nation divided where the "mascot debate" exposes centuries old abuses while asking if reconciliation is possible.
Who directed Fighting Indians?
Fighting Indians was directed by Derek Ellis, Mark Cooley.
Who stars in Fighting Indians?
The principal cast of Fighting Indians includes Maulian Dana, Barry Dana, James Eric Francis, Dwayne Tomah, John Bear Mitchell.
When was Fighting Indians released and how long is it?
Fighting Indians was released in 2022 with a total runtime of 1h 48m.
Who composed the musical score for Fighting Indians?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Fighting Indians was composed by Stephen Balgooyen, Mark Cooley.