Trailer
This film is part of the program Indigeneities of the Americas
Tahnaanooku’ is a visually captivating and soulful work of art. It tells a powerful story of Indigenous history, identity, and connection with the Missouri River, the earth, fire, and animals. Through surreal-like visuals and compelling music, the film weaves together past, present, and future, highlighting the impact of government control, like the Garrison Dam, on the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara people. At its core, it offers a deep reflection on Indigenous identity, with Darline Deegan—activist, mother, and grandmother — sharing her wisdom and care for future generations. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples today.
Tahnaanooku’ is a visually captivating and soulful work of art. It tells a powerful story of Indigenous history, identity, and connection with the Missouri River, the earth, fire, and animals. Through surreal-like visuals and compelling music, the film weaves together past, present, and future, highlighting the impact of government control, like the Garrison Dam, on the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara people. At its core, it offers a deep reflection on Indigenous identity, with Darline Deegan—activist, mother, and grandmother — sharing her wisdom and care for future generations. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples today.
An overview of other festivals;
Skábmagovat, Indigenous Peoples’ Film Festival, Finland (2025)
Bend Film Festival, USA (2024)
Seattle International Film Festival, USA (2024)
Ãciinmowin Film Festival, Canada (2024)
independent Film Festival Boston, USA (2024)
Skábmagovat, Indigenous Peoples’ Film Festival, Finland (2025)
Bend Film Festival, USA (2024)
Seattle International Film Festival, USA (2024)
Ãciinmowin Film Festival, Canada (2024)
independent Film Festival Boston, USA (2024)
| Director | Justin Deegan |
| Script | Justin Deegan, Tracy Rector |
| Director of Photography | Justin Deegan, Steve Hyde |
| Editing | Bill Saunders, Sierra Moeykens |
| Sound | Evan Deegan |
| Music | Brian Kerns |
Present in these collections
Session
• Office national du film du Canada - Salle Alanis-Obomsawin
Monday, march 17, 2025, 08:00 p.m. — 08:54 p.m.
Production
Justin Deegan
Justin Deegan is an enrolled member of MHA Nation, where TAHNAANOOKU’ was filmed. He identifies as Arikara, Oglala, and Hunkpapa. He is a cinematographer, photographer, and award-winning filmmaker. His work has screened at numerous festivals across Turtle Island, including Sundance, TIFF, Lumbee Film Festival, LA Skinsfest, Phoenix Film Festival, and NatiVisions. Deegan’s work has shown on HBO, NBC, PBS, and the VICE Network, and has been featured in numerous publications, including Indian Country Today and Native News Online.
Justin is the founder of Thunder Revolution Studio, which follows this motto: “An Indigenous lens for an Indigenous narrative.” Justin both teaches filmmaker skills to Indigenous youth and works with Indigenous elders to document the oral histories of tribal nations. Justin is a fellow of the Newport FILM Cinematography Lab and was selected to participate in the Native American Media Alliance Unscripted Documentary Series.
Biographic notes provided by the film production team
Justin is the founder of Thunder Revolution Studio, which follows this motto: “An Indigenous lens for an Indigenous narrative.” Justin both teaches filmmaker skills to Indigenous youth and works with Indigenous elders to document the oral histories of tribal nations. Justin is a fellow of the Newport FILM Cinematography Lab and was selected to participate in the Native American Media Alliance Unscripted Documentary Series.
Biographic notes provided by the film production team
Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae (2024)
Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton, Indigenous Fashion Project (2025)
White Buffalo Calf Project (2025)
Navajo Natural Resources Project (2026)
Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton, Indigenous Fashion Project (2025)
White Buffalo Calf Project (2025)
Navajo Natural Resources Project (2026)
In the same session
Office national du film du Canada - Salle Alanis-Obomsawin
Monday, march 17, 2025, 08:00 p.m.
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