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guide in English to films showing in Germany.
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Ivan MacDonald, Ivy MacDonald, Daniel Glick | United States | 2024
In 2018, filmmaker Daniel Glick directed a short film called DRIVE THEM BUFFALO that follows the members of the Blackfeet Nation and their journey as the only tribal-led buffalo drive in North America. The drive was to bring the herd back to their ancestral grounds where they belonged and appropriately procreate. Glick presents the intimate relationship between the buffalo, members of the Blackfeet Nation, and the importance of the drive.
A few years later, filmmakers Daniel Gluck Ivan and Ivy MacDonald collaborate and expand on Glick’s theme to present a full feature documentary in BRING THEM HOME to explain the intricate details, and the difficulties encountered on the buffalo drive in order to bring the American bison back home to thrive under the watchful eye, and care of the Blackfeet Nation members.
The filmmakers share, “The film chronicles a decades-long initiative by members of the Blackfoot Confederacy to bring wild buffalo back to the Blackfeet Reservation.” Adding, “BRING THEM HOME focuses on the Blackfeet’s Iinnii (buffalo) Initiative, supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Oakland Zoo, which was created to conserve traditional lands, protect Blackfeet culture, and return the buffalo to their own ancestral lands.”
Award winning Oscar actress, Lily Gladstone narrates the story in BRING THEM HOME, adding special interviews with the Blackfeet Nation elders who give the historical account and background of their plight.
The Blackfeet Nation refused to give up in spite of the enormous obstacles that stood in their way. One of which was “from their own ranchers who see the buffalo also as a threat to the cattle ranches that dominate the land and are a legacy of colonization.” They note that possibly the third attempt to relocate the tribal herd is the charm. Only time will tell but so far, it deems to be successful. To care for the buffalo herd destined to return home was the Blackfeet Nation’s mission. The three filmmakers share a remarkable story of the Blackfeet Nation’s perseverance to accomplish their task and to restore their relationship with the buffalo to, among other things, provide economic opportunities and healing for the community.
The amazing cinematography of the beautiful North American landscape showcased in BRING THEM HOME is truly a love letter that connects the narrative of the buffalo relocation and examines the deeply meaningful role that buffalo play in Blackfeet life prior to the arrival of settlers who nearly eradicated wild buffalo in an effort to eradicate the Blackfeet people. But, most importantly it brings to light the current restoration of the two relationships.