On Sacred Ground

Knowing that the Tickell’s are typically documentary style filmmakers, I was interested to see their work in On Sacred Ground, which is their first narrative style film. I was impressed at how the camera became a character in itself. Audiences feel as if they are right there, truly in the scene with the actors. As a viewer, you are exposed to multiple perspectives at once, gaining rich insight on the impact of the social unrest that the Dakota Access Pipeline stirred up. The Tickell’s have successfully created a multi-dimensional view of a very controversial issue. I look forward to seeing what they do next.

Josh and Rebecca Tickell’s ‘On Sacred Ground’ is a story that deserves to be heard. By shining light on the brave men and women who protested against the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline, ‘On Sacred Ground’ highlights Indigenous rights issues in a multifaceted way. One of my favorite aspects of the film was the conversation between Mika and Daniel surrounding missing and mistreated Indigenous women. I haven’t seen a movie before that brings necessary attention to the issues Indigenous women face like ‘On Sacred Ground’ has. It was clear that showing respect and demonstrating integrity toward the Lakota “Sioux” tribe was a priority during production. I learned so much from this movie, but also found myself moved by the emotional storyline. I loved getting to follow Daniel on his journey to discover both sides of this conflict, as well as find himself.

On Sacred Ground is more than just a story about the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The directors, Rebecca and Josh Tickell, did an exceptional job using this movie to spread awareness for supporting Indigenous rights and representation. The different levels of this movie are what allows this film to resonate with viewers. The story deals with a veteran suffering from PTSD, a tribe defending their sacred land from an oil pipeline, and women representation through a protest. The layers of this story are real and entangled, which is what left me hooked to this narrative. It is one thing to just lay down the facts of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests and controversy, but it is another to be able to personify them into a captivating narrative based on the kinds of different people who may have been involved. The Tickell’s did a wonderful job transitioning from perspective to perspective in this film, while simultaneously connecting the characters' inner dilemmas. There were many sides to this controversy and this movie covers it all. I recommend adding this movie to your “what to watch next” list.

“On Sacred Ground” directed by the talented filmmakers Josh and Rebecca Tickell distinguishes between the opposite sides of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe faces tragedy when their water and land is compromised by the oil companies pipeline. The Sioux tribe is represented with respect even though they are receiving derision from the other side. David Arquette and William Mapother play the two male leads who represent both sides of this story. William Mapother’s character Daniel is perceived as an Army veteran with PTSD, he has a struggling home life and not much going for him. This story could help him become something more when the opportunity of revealing honesty prevails itself. The cognitive dissonance he faces brings his morality to light giving him potential. Many thought-provoking issues are brought up in this film like, indigenous rights, protection of the environment and so much more. This motion picture deserves success, I would strongly recommend giving it a watch.