O-Gah-Pah Communications is riding a high in the month of August, marked by notable appearances in two prominent film festivals that highlight both local and international cinematic talent.
The first event, Filmland, took place in Little Rock, Arkansas, on August 15th. Known for showcasing films from across the country, Filmland provided a platform for O-Gah-Pah Communications to showcase their latest project, “Voices of the Ogahpah,” and engage with a wider audience. The festival featured a special question and answer panel that included members from O-Gah-Pah Communications, two representatives from 12Eighty-One Studios, the chairman of the Cultural Committee, and Grace Goodeagle, who is credited with inspiring the film. The panel discussion offered valuable insights into the creative process and the cultural significance of their work.
The Filmland festival not only facilitated meaningful connections within Arkansas but also was a building block for future collaborations and screenings of the film. The event’s organizers have expressed interest in hosting a second showing in Bentonville, further expanding the reach and impact of Quapaw Nation, O-Gah- Pah Communications, and their projects. Following this success, O-Gah-Pah Communications made a notable appearance at the Fort Smith International Film Festival. This festival, which celebrates films from around the globe, had initially opened its admissions while “Voices of the Ogahpah” was still under production. For this reason, the earlier work “Voices of Our Elders” was selected for screening.
“Voices of Our Elders” was featured in a dedicated block showcasing Indigenous films from various tribal nations, including the Chickasaw and Cherokee. This specific group of films highlighted Indigenous storytelling and resonated deeply with the audience. The feedback from the festival has inspired O-Gah-Pah Communications to enhance their ongoing project. Plans are now underway to include two additional segments in “Voices of the Ogahpah,” focusing on the mining history of the Quapaw Reservation, the development of tribal resources, and the Quapaw Nation’s efforts to revitalize their cultural heritage.
The production team will soon begin working on these new segments, which are expected to add depth and context to the evolving narrative. Requests for interview have already begun to make their way out with the hopes of full production picking back up sometime in September.
Future screening dates for “Voices of the Ogahpah” will be announced as the film progresses and more details are finalized.
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