AWAKE, A Dream From Standing Rock

Directed by Myron Dewey, James Spione and Josh Fox, the documentary film AWAKE, A Dream From Standing Rock hit the screens in 2017. This compelling and astutely calculated film takes us to the front lines of the resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline, documenting the unparalleled determination and spirit of the countless individuals involved.

AWAKE serves as a heartfelt testament to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s sustained opposition to the $3.7 billion Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). As the film documents, the DAPL threatens the tribe’s land, water, and heritage. The pipeline’s construction would tunnel underneath the Missouri River, the source of the tribe’s drinking water, posing an existential threat to their livelihoods. The film doesn't just itemize the protests or narrate the issues, but captures the very essence of human struggle against corporatism and the indifference of authorities. It maps the course of the river of resistance that began at Standing Rock and has since flowed forth into an active and determined native civil rights movement.

This immersive documentary is a triptych of three distinct characters, each representing different facets of the movement against the Dakota Access Pipeline. First, we meet Floris White Bull, a dedicated environmental activist and filmmaker, who enlisted herself early on in the Standing Rock movement. She serves as our guide, and it's through her reflective narration that we understand the spiritual core of the Indigenous protests. As a descendant of a long lineage of Lakota Sioux, she provides a historic context and voice for her people's strife, painting the trajectory of Native American history at the intersection of past injustices and current struggle.

The second character we encounter is Samsoche Sampson, a respected Two-Spirit artist, who poured his immense talent into expressing the collective pain and power of his people through music. His perspective offers an insight into the role that art plays within the resistance and how cultural solidarity is fostered through shared, creative expression.

And finally, there is Myron Dewey - co-director and drone videographer - a member of the Paiute/Shoshone tribe, who utilizes technology as an invaluable tool for the movement. His drone footage, a critical component of the film, provides an expansive view of the landscape under threat and enables viewers to grasp the scale and magnitude of the pipeline's intrusion.

The film weaves together the distinct voices and perspectives of these central characters against a backdrop of raw, breathtaking cinematography that alternates between the serene beauty of the tribal lands and the chaos and fervor of the protests. This blend creates an emotive juxtaposition that emphasizes what's at stake: the loss of an awe-inspiring natural world, ancestral ties and cultural identity.

AWAKE, A Dream From Standing Rock transcends being just a documentary about an environmental protest; it is a story of resilience under daunting conditions, a tribute to the spirit of communal resistance, and a rallying call to action. It highlights the crucial journey of indigenous people seeking to defend their land and preserve their traditions in a society where their rights are often marginalized. It documents the tribulations at Standing Rock but also serves as a beacon of hope and a blueprint for future environmental and cultural preservation movements.

The movie successfully captures the spirit of resistance and unity, encouraging viewers to reflect on the crucial intersection of environmental justice and cultural integrity. It is a portrayal of undeterred spirit, relentless struggle and unyielding hope. Packed with emotion and raw energy, AWAKE, A Dream From Standing Rock stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the eternal spirit of resistance. It provides an important platform for indigenous voices and their continuing fight for justice, cultural preservation and environmental protection.

From beginning to end, Autumn DePoe-Hughes, Myron Dewey, and their fellow protesters engage us, arouse our empathy, and inspire our admiration with their courage, selflessness, and determination. This film is not only an integral document of a pivotal moment in Native American civil rights history but also functions as a critical tool for public education regarding the growing urgency of environmental justice.