Used by communities, companies and educators to understand Historical Trauma.
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To review an outline of the film visit our Dodging Bullets synopsis page.
Dodging Bullets: Stories from Survivors of Historical Trauma is a groundbreaking documentary that provides an authentic and unfiltered look at life in Indian Country. Unlike many films that sensationalize Indigenous struggles, this documentary amplifies the voices of survivors, offering a powerful perspective on historical trauma and resilience. Filmed across multiple locations in North America, With a 4.7+ rating on Amazon Prime Dodging Bullets sheds light on stories rarely seen in mainstream media, challenging stereotypes and deepening understanding.
“People drive through Browning and say, ‘Gee, I hope I don’t get a flat tire here,’” she said. “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
This film is saying, ‘Please, open the book.’ There’s so much more to us.” Great Falls Tribune
MSP International Film Festival Jury Statement: The documentary feature Dodging Bullets breaks new ground in form and in its subject matter. The filmmakers offer a series of largely episodic stories, intimately documented, about Native American individuals who have been impacted by ethnic genocide in the United States. These episodic narratives are joined narratively in an analysis of how each of these events has contributed to an ongoing experience of unresolved historical trauma for many in the Native American community, in which many traumatized individuals and communities epigenetically transmit unresolved trauma to future generations. Compelling in its visual and narrative approach, it is ultimately a story of resilience and hope as the filmmakers bring a nuanced perspective to a difficult topic, demonstrating the dignity of their subjects and offering the possibility of freedom from generations of inherited traumatic stress.
Dodging Bullets Documentary Sheds Light on trauma Plaguing Native Communities, confronting
the lasting legacy of America’s treatment of Native people. Mpls StPaul Magazine
What people are saying about Dodging Bullets
Educational Reviews
“It allows the non-Native audience to truly hear and see Historical Trauma and the pain without blatant finger pointing or going the other direction by making it more palatable for non-natives tastes”
Kimberly Whitewater Wakjexiwiga
Community Supportive Services Division Director
HCN Social Services
“Rarely has a film been able to fully capture the complexity of these contemporary social justice concerns caused by Intergenerational Trauma through historical accounts and personal narratives.”
George S Leibowitz, PhD
Stony Brook University
School of Medicine and Social Welfare
“Dodging Bullets is a powerful and compelling documentary that revealed the injustices against Indigenous peoples… brilliantly wove together a positive path to healing through ceremony and cultural identity.”
Rain L. Marshall, JD, (Ihanktonwan),
Lecturer, Humboldt State University
“Dodging Bullets makes the historical trauma felt by Native Americans understandable and recognizable to all Americans. The purpose is not to degrade, but to educate; not to change history, but to give the full story. The information given not only will leave you with a better understanding of what the Native Americans go through, but more knowledge to help with you own convictions.”
Tomah School District Educator Review
“Dodging Bullets makes the historical trauma felt by Native Americans understandable and recognizable to all Americans. The purpose is not to degrade, but to educate; not to change history, but to give the full story. The information given not only will leave you with a better understanding of what the Native Americans go through, but more knowledge to help with you own convictions.”
Tomah School District Educator Review
“This film had a profound impact on the way I see my students. They really do live two lives, and my job is to nurture and support them to make school a positive place.”
Tomah School District Educator Review
Viewers Reviews
“This was such a great movie. A really clear way of showing people who will not acknowledge historical and generational trauma that it is a real and serious issue being faced by many, many people today.”
Amazon Review
“This was an amazing documentary that shines a lot of light on the injustices that indigenous people experienced for generations. This film also highlights the context behind historical trauma and how trauma may be passed down through generations.”
Amazon Review
“Dodging Bullets will definitely make you think, so if you aren’t ready for that, don’t watch it.”
Rotten Tomatoes Review
“An important film that not only fills gaps in conventionally taught history, but builds empathy and understanding for the Native American experience.”
Rotten Tomatoes Review
“The movie Dodging Bullets was an intriguing and amazing documentary. This World Changning documentary is about Native American historical trauma that they faced discrimination; and stories of intergenerational trauma throughout the historical context of time.”
Amazon Review
“Dodging Bullets has a great sound tract and an enduring message of trauma and how Native Americans are working to overcoming it. This film will make you cry for the inhuman and abusive treatment done in the name of conformity.”
Amazon Review
“This is a fantastic documentary that shines great amount of light on the inequalities and discriminations that indigenous people experienced for generations. This documentary also highlights the context behind historical trauma and how trauma may be passed down through generations. I would recommend this film to anyone!”
Amazon Review
“It was an amazing watch, I think I may re-watch with my family. It was so moving. I highly recommend, especially if you want a solid historical background with a perfect mix of empathy and personal stories.”
Amazon Review