On Sacred Ground

This film carefully and respectfully explains the issues surrounding the construction of an oil pipeline across Sioux Tribal Lands. The characters are acted in such manner to be worthy of our attention to their individual viewpoints and life circumstances. There is more than a documentary here because the moral struggle of persons deciding for themselves what to believe and how to act is always compelling. This is no black and white depiction of good guys or bad guys in this film since everyone intends good things to result from the pipeline. But good is a relative concept, depending upon one's priorities, as is well illustrated by this film with its excellent and diverse cast members.

Josh and Rebecca Tickell's On Sacred Ground is an emotionally charged story that beautifully captures one reporter's experience while investigating the Dakota Access Pipeline and its surrounding conflict. The film highlights the brave men and women from Indigenous communities who protested to protect their land and water. The main character Dan Mckinney, played by William Mapother, brought a compelling perspective to the already multifaceted story. As a veteran suffering from PTSD, Dan experienced flashbacks throughout the film that gave the audience greater insight into his past. This unique perspective anchored the character and allowed greater light to shine on the 2,000 veterans supporting the Native protesters. Societal treatment of veterans and Native rights are two themes that are intrinsically bound in On Sacred Ground. This film tells a compelling story about the struggles Native communities are facing and the lengths gone to discredit their mission.

Josh and Rebecca Tickell present a well-crafted narrative film about a journalist who is faced with a variety of internal and external conflicts regarding a new story he is working on. On Sacred Ground is a movie based on the truthful events behind the Dakota Access Pipeline. William Mapother as Daniel the main lead does a remarkable job allowing for the audience to really connect with the characters on such an insightful film. Daniel is a freelance journalist who struggles to reveal what's going on at the pipeline once he sees what's happening. With a deteriorating homelife and lingering PTSD Daniel has to choose what path he wants to take when covering this story. The movie is filled with very powerful and realistic situations including the importance of Indian reservations, PTSD, indigenous women rights and so much more. This film captures you by providing authentic disputes throughout its entirety and a raw captivating ending. I would definitely give it a watch and recommend it to others.

I will just agree with most of the positive reviews of this movie, but I wanted to set one fact straight.

When they show scenes of the "authorities" spraying water on the protesters, it was actually about -40F at the time. The water would have literally frozen in mid air as it hit the protestors. And when it did hit them it would have been instant hypothermia.

And if you think that the US isn't a police state, you are wrong.

These protestors would brutalized. I hope that the perpetrators got the maximum sentence allowed.

I will just agree with most of the positive reviews of this movie, but I wanted to set one fact straight.

When they show scenes of the "authorities" spraying water on the protesters, it was actually about -40F at the time. The water would have literally frozen in mid air as it hit the protestors. And when it did hit them it would have been instant hypothermia.

And if you think that the US isn't a police state, you are wrong.

These protestors would brutalized. I hope that the perpetrators got the maximum sentence allowed.

Josh and Rebecca TIckell's "On Sacred Ground" is a captivating narrative take on the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline events. The story follows Dan (William Mapother) an ex-military journalist who has now began a life of freelance journalism to financially support his pregnant wife. He is faced with a choice, after receiving a mysterious call, heeding him to travel to North Dakota and write a story about the DAPL in a positive light for a handsome reward. He must choose between compromising his morality or acting on what he believes is right.

"On Sacred on Ground" offers audiences a story full of relevant commentary on matters of mental health and injustice against First Nations. The Tickells powerfully tackle themes of PTSD and police brutality against the Sioux by showing Dan experiencing episodes as he sees the First Nations being attacked as they stand up for their territory. As a viewer, I experienced the film in a very visceral way that shook me in a way that felt expansive. The film's stunning cinematography further immersed me into the story, setting a tone for the film that communicated the protagonist's troubled state of mind.

This is a film on one of humanity's greatest challenges; remaining true to who we are or compromising our humanity for perceived benefit.