Press Release

Media Notice

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Martin Keller, Media Savant Communications
612-729-8585. mkeller@mediasavantcom.com

Award-winning Film Identifies a Legacy of “Historical Trauma” Among Native Americans from Colonial Settlement to Custer’s 7^th Calvary to 21^st Century Police Brutality

“DODGING BULLETS – STORIES FROM SURVIVORS OF HISTORICAL TRAUMA” GETTING WIDE RELEASE VIA AMAZON PRIME, VIDEO DIRECT, GOOGLE AND APPLE TV CHANNELS AS SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARENESS GROWS IN AFTERMATH OF GEORGE FLOYD’S DEATH AND MOUNTING CIVIL UNREST

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., — August 15, 2020 – A prescient 2016 investigative report by Stephanie Woodard, “The Police Killings No One Is Talking About,” is now being amplified by Dodging Bullets – Stories from Survivors of Historical Trauma — a new, award-wining documentary film that will get a worldwide release on August 15, 2020, over Amazon Prime Video Direct, and later on Google and Apple TV. Dodging Bullets underscores the growing awareness of social justice issues among people of color and law enforcement agencies in the calamitous aftermath of George Floyd’s death by police in Minneapolis in May 2020 and similar deaths of other people of color during a time of mounting civil unrest.

Watch the Dodging Bullets trailer: https://dodgingbullets.wpengine.com/dodging-bullets-trailer/

To view the entire movie, please submit the reviews request form.

Having Amazon Prime Video Direct, Apple TV and Google platforms will give people access to this important film at a critical period when social justice issues are under the microscope and stirring movements across the globe. The documentary movie is a major step in helping people understand how five centuries of government-sanctioned ethnocide and genocide has become epigenetically engrained in the lives of Natives, passing down trauma from generation to generation, leading to addiction, suicide, and overall poorer physical and mental health.

Co-directed by Kathy Broere, Sarah Edstrom, Jonathan Thunder and Bob Trench, the insightful and instructive film has emerged as a social justice festival favorite in the past two years, winning “Best of Fest” at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF), Best Documentary at the North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival and the Big Fork Independent Film Festival, plus related honors at other festivals around the country.

“Dodging Bullets is an Extraordinarily Relevant Film and an Important Resource for Educators Across Disciplines”

It is increasingly being used as an instructional tool for schools, associations and within many tribal communities *(those interested in purchasing the film for their library can request it here.

“The primacy of addressing of the social determinants of health and health disparities, violence against the Native community and people of color, and race-related stress is unquestionable during this time,” explains George S. Leibowitz, PhD, School of Medicine / Social Welfare, Stony Brook University. “Dodging Bullets is an extraordinarily relevant film and an important resource for educators across disciplines to draw students into reflection and action about the impact of historical trauma. Rarely has a film been able to fully capture the complexity of these contemporary social justice concerns through historical accounts and personal narratives.”

“Only with open minds, compassion and education can we embrace the new knowledge that will unite, empower and move us toward change. Dodging Bullets is not just a film about Native American’s historical trauma and injustice, it is a film about our strength,” says co-director, Kathy Broere (Blackfeet). “It’s the gift of strength that we give to each other though our community and culture, and a strength that lets us said loudly and proudly and with one united voice that we will never give up fighting for justice for all peoples. Dodging Bullets invites you to join your voice with ours in calling for justice.”

“I was invited to Indian Country to listen. And in doing so, was blessed to be allowed to learn from these Indigenous voices discussing institutional prejudice, broken treaties as well as resilience and survival,” notes Bob Trench, co-director. “One voice that really stood out was Rick McArthur, former A.I.M. (American Indian Movement) Legal Services social worker. Rick reflected on how Natives often view law enforcement today as an extension of the 7^th Calvary. Although some in the dominate society believe that to be a stretch, the truth is that Rick’s relations have been culturally framed by years of historical trauma.  And that blurred line from the 1800’s until now has again come into focus in 2020 as the United States wrestles with past and present abuse and injustices.”

The Film’s Stirring Soundtrack Exposes Leading Native American Music Artists

Dodging Bullets also features a stirring soundtrack by leading Indigenous music artists, and provides a strong introduction to these celebrated musicians for those not familiar with the rich Native American music scene. The film contains a memorable music score by award-winning Ojibwe musician and songwriter, Keith Secola; Anishinabe and Oneida Hip-Hop artist Tall Paul; teacher and cultural educator Mitch Walking Elk, enrolled member of the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma;  Anishinabe singer Dorene Day Waubanequay, Anishinabe Kwe of the Waubizayshi O’dodem (Marten Clan), and others.

For more information – or to interview co-directors: Kathy Broere, Sarah Edstrom, Bob Trench and other individuals associated with Dodging Bullets – please contact Martin Keller, Media Savant Communications, 612-729-8585, mkeller@mediasavantcom.com