Documentary Film Pre-Production, “Heart of the Drum”

HEART OF THE DRUM, a feature length documentary film, was approved by the Tribal Council, by a unanimous vote to start the pre-production phase of the project. A Tribal Resolution is in effect to begin co-production with Angel City Film Works.

(Please note: Heart of the Drum is a working title for pre-production and fund raising; the final name is yet to be determined by agreement between the tribe and the film makers.)

Heart of the Drum portrays the constant rhythm of the cultural center of the tribe as a source of identity and renewal. We shall draw forward many untold stories of the Delawares’ participation and contribution to America’s history through the pre-Civil War and Civil War era into the present day.

Edie Robinette-Petrachi and Jack Robinette

This is a combined modern day story that emphasizes the tribal perspective on growth while honoring the richness of heritage. Through humor, stories, and music the viewing audience will be engaged and surprised to learn how the Lenape Language and culture is a part of their daily lives today.

There are two key components to the collaborative agreement between Angel City Film Works and the Delaware Tribe of Indians. The first is that the copyright of both the intellectual property and the film itself shall remain with the tribe. The Tribe will function in the role of Executive Producer. The film makers have already secured PBS broadcast interest for the film in multiple locations.

Second, there is a plan to collaborate creatively on the vision development of the project. Anita Mathis, Tribal Archivist and Librarian, is the Project Director for the tribe under the guidance of Chief Paula Pechonick and Tribal Manager Curtis Zunigha. A committee will be created to focus the creative collaboration as well as review written content in funding proposals and for the film itself.

Film production will take place over the next twelve months. Included in the content will be interviews with the tribe, audio recordings, archival video interviews, photographs, maps, and narrated letters. Original music and graphic design will be created by tribal members. This style of documentary storytelling will allow individuals to personalize the film and connect back to Kansas through family and tribal collections. Some filming will occur of the cultural events at Delaware Days, but the in-person interviews are planned for later in the fall.

On location filming will occur in Ste Genevieve; Delaware Town near Springfield, MO; Fort Leavenworth; Kaw Point; and all points on the reserve between the Kansas and Missouri Rivers. The filming is being planned to capture the beauty of all four seasons.

Several points of story and interest, such as Grinter’s Place, White Church, and Delaware Town, will include interviews with current-day curators and scholars who have affiliations with the tribe.

If you are interested in participating in the film project interviews, an announcement will be made for sign-ups in October, after Delaware Days.

You can also participate by gathering with family members to share stories and discuss your own family trees. Digital copies of photos or letters can be made to use in the film and to be archived in the tribal libraries.

Stay tuned for updates on the tribal web site (www.delawaretribe.org), the electronic bulletin board in the Delaware Community Center, and at www.delawaresdoc.com. For further information, contact Anita Mathis, Tribal Archivist and Tribal Project Director (amathis@delawaretribe.org); Edie Robinette-Petrachi, Film Director (edie@angelcityfilmworks.com), or Jack Robinette, Producer (jack@angelcityfilmworks.com).