From ‘Reservation Dogs’ to ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ Indigenous Creatives Feel ‘Hopeful’ About Improved Native Representation in Hollywood
variety.comKristen Lopez When the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative released a report surveying film roles for Native Americans last October, of the 100 highest-grossing theatrical movies released between 2007 and 2022, only one had an Indigenous performer in a lead role.
Yet when speaking to Native creatives and performers, there is an overwhelming sense of optimism for what’s to come for their representation in entertainment. “I feel very hopeful about where we are,” Jana Schmieding, who recently starred on “Reservation Dogs,” tells Variety. “I want to think that studios see the value in our storytelling.” Variety’s inaugural Indigenous Storytelling in Entertainment Breakfast, which will take place June 5 in Los Angeles, will focus on both the value and future of such stories.
The invite-only breakfast program will feature a series of keynote and panel conversations with creators, talent and executives that will center on Indigenous storytelling and spotlight the achievements of its communities in film and TV.
The event will also explore how the industry is faring in creating opportunities for Indigenous creatives in front of and behind the camera.
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