Young filmmakers from the Warm Springs Reservation are gaining new opportunities to develop their filmmaking skills after receiving funding aimed at growing a tribal youth media initiative.
The Warm Springs Community Action Team recently secured a $17,000 grant from the Oregon Community Foundation to support its Tribal Youth Film Program.
Program leaders say the funding will help young participants create films that showcase Native perspectives and challenge long-standing stereotypes often seen in mainstream media.
Youth learning filmmaking from start to finish
Students involved in the program are gaining hands-on experience in every part of the filmmaking process, including acting, filming and editing their own productions.
Youth program leader Ronald Kalama said the initiative gives young storytellers a platform to share stories from their own communities.
According to Kalama, many creative voices and cultural experiences remain underrepresented in film, and the project helps bring those stories to the screen.
Creating original films and documentaries
Participants have already produced several short projects, including comedies and documentaries. One of the group’s productions is a mockumentary titled Spam is Life.
The program has also drawn attention from the film industry. Actor Cara Jade Myers previously made a guest appearance in one of the youth projects. Myers is widely recognized for her role in the film Killers of the Flower Moon.
Dream of building a tribal filmmaking hub
Youth Program Coordinator Brutis Baes said the long-term vision is to build a strong film community on the reservation.
Baes hopes the program will eventually grow into a thriving production space where local filmmakers can create larger projects and potentially distribute their work through major entertainment platforms.
Expanding leadership opportunities for students
Organizers say the new funding will also allow participants to take on greater leadership roles. Students are already hosting workshops, organizing film festivals and teaching others how to edit video and record audio.
These experiences could open doors for future careers in film, media and storytelling while strengthening community connections.
Documentary project in progress
Recently, members of the program traveled to Portland to film a documentary about the Warm Springs boys basketball team competing in a state tournament.
The group hopes to release the documentary later this year, continuing its mission to highlight stories of resilience and creativity within the community.
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