TULSA, Okla. – As part of its Black History Month observance, Cherokee Nation announced its production company, Cherokee Film Productions, will soon release a feature-length documentary exploring the highly-charged topic of
In honor of Native American History Month, Cherokee Film is encouraging the public to experience “The American Revolution,” premiering on Sunday, Nov. 16, on PBS stations nationwide and airing for six consecutive nights.
Cherokee Nation’s efforts to grow the TV and film industry in northeast Oklahoma are paying off, with several incentive-supported productions premiering this fall.
Cherokee Film just announced a new initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of filmmakers. The Directors Elevation Program will provide emerging directors with practical, on-set experience while helping foster the industry connections needed to build a career in today’s film and television industry.
The Heartland Regional Emmy Awards recognized Cherokee Film Production’s “Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People,” with four additional Emmys.
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. declares all of Cherokee Nation Reservation as Film Ready during a recent celebration at Cherokee Film Studios.
Cherokee Nation and the U.S. Department of the Interior are partnering to utilize film and media to help preserve and advance Native languages.
Cherokee Nation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently premiered “ᏩᏯ Waya, Saving Our Red Grandfather,” a documentary exploring the historical and cultural significance of the Red Wolf and the efforts made by conservationists, governments and other partners to save the world’s most endangered wolf from extinction.
Cherokee Nation and Prime Video have teamed up to help bring the Cherokee language to viewers across the globe. As part of an ongoing collaboration, one of the leading entertainment companies is now exploring opportunities for the largest tribal nation in the United States to dub and subtitle select titles within Prime Video’s full library of originals into the Cherokee language.
A recently announced collaboration between Cherokee Nation and Amazon will provide full scholarships to Cherokee Film Institute’s inaugural class of students. Amazon’s financial contribution will mean the first 25 students accepted into the program can receive full certification completely tuition-free.
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Michael Musante
Film & TV Finance and Development Executive
Michael is the executive in charge of film and TV finance and development at Cherokee Film. Prior to that, he was vice president of film production and acquisitions at American Zoetrope for more than seven years and a co-founder, along with Roman Coppola, of The Decentralized Pictures Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting independent filmmaking and filmmakers from underserved and underrepresented communities. He continues to serve on its board. He is an attorney, admitted to practice in New York and North Carolina, and received his Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 2001. He practiced law for 10 years before becoming a full-time creative film producer. He has worked closely with such accomplished filmmakers as Roman Coppola, Sofia Coppola, Gia Coppola, Ted Kotcheff, Martha Coolidge, Fred Roos and Richard Chew before and during his time at American Zoetrope. During his tenure at American Zoetrope, he oversaw the development and production of several feature films: Gia Coppola’s “Mainstream,” starring Andrew Garfield, Maya Hawke, Nat Wolff and Jason Schwartzman; “Fairyland,” starring Emilia Jones and Scoot McNairy; as well as the production of “The Outsiders” musical, which debuted on Broadway at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024.
Todd Roberts
Soundstage Manager
Todd Roberts serves Cherokee Film as soundstage manager. He has more than 35 years of experience as a photographer and filmmaker. He is multi-passionate in skills and subject matter. He’s created more than 400 episodes of documentary-style television shows (“Doomsday Preppers,” “Man vs. Food Nation,” “Safari Hunter’s Journal,” “House Hunters International” and more) produced in 22 countries and airing nationally. Todd’s commercial films have served his clients well (American Express, Audi, Freightliner Trucks, Volkswagen, United Way, Walmart and many more). Todd’s productions have received numerous accolades (Addy Awards, Communicator Awards, Flame Awards, ITVA Awards, Summit Awards, Telly Awards, as well as awards from film festivals). While his skills and interests are broad, Todd’s overarching theme is the art of storytelling.
Maggie Cunningham
Pawnee Nation
Film Commissioner
Maggie Cunningham (Pawnee Nation) is a Regional Emmy-winning producer and the Cherokee Film Commissioner. Before joining the OsiyoTV team, Maggie worked in the museum and cultural heritage field. Her previous roles included positions as an archivist and tribal NAGPRA coordinator. She also spent time as a project manager for several Native-owned consultation and media production firms. She saw firsthand the impact an Indigenous narrative can have on a community during her time researching at Te Papa Tongarewa, the National Museum of Aotearoa (New Zealand). She continued to cultivate this focus in her years of cultural heritage work and storytelling. Her experience working within Native communities here in Oklahoma has only solidified her drive to tell authentic Native-led stories with the power and impact of film. Maggie holds a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College in studio art and Native American studies. She earned her Master of Arts from New York University. Maggie resides in Tulsa with her family.
Hannah Roark
Cherokee Nation
Film & TV Development Specialist
Hannah Roark holds a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting from Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts and graduated with highest distinction from the University of Kansas, where she earned her bachelor’s degree with honors in English. She joined the Cherokee Film team in July 2022. Her prior film production experience includes work as an office production assistant, director’s assistant, production coordinator and associate producer. When she’s not at work, Hannah is writing screenplays, TV pilots, or collaborating in writers’ groups. She believes that every good story can be a great one.
