Films such as Smoke Signals and Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner set major milestones for Native acting, writing and directing. They are examples of a common theme that is repeated in magazine and newspaper interviews of Native artists—the need for Native people to tell their own stories.

However, there has been one area of Native filmmaking that has seen limited growth. This would be the role of executive producer, providing complete funding or securing funding from private investors. Yet, for the Chickasaw Nation, they are gaining a high level of experience in the creation of their own stories. Their first film production, Pearl, debuted in 2009, and told the story of Chickasaw aviation pioneer Pearl Carter Scott.

Currently, the Chickasaw Nation is finishing production on bringing a larger-than-life figure to the silver screen with Te Ata. The movie is based on Te Ata Thompson Fisher (1895-1995), a Chickasaw storyteller and dancer whose performances ranged from the Chautauqua shows to the White House and whose stories took her all over the world. Her legacy of service continues through one of her nephews, Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole.

RELATED: All-Star Native Cast Begins Filming Te Ata: Greene, Kilcher, Birmingham

Indian Country Today Media Network caught up with the Te Ata production while they were shooting train depot scenes at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City on September 23. Extras in 1930’s period clothes blended with the crew, who wore black t-shirts that simply said “Te Ata.” Racks filled with vintage luggage stayed out of camera shot.  Smoke machines added to the atmosphere, creating the illusion of a Tishomingo, Okla. train stop.

In between takes, the cast for the movie could be seen visiting with the crew and other visitors. Q’orianka Kilcher, who plays Te Ata, had her make-up reapplied between takes. Mackenzie Astin, playing the role of Te Ata’s husband, Dr. Clyde Fisher, drank a can of Mountain Dew out of camera shot while dressed in his brown suit and hat.