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On Sacred Ground

  • 2023
  • TV-14
  • 1h 26m
IMDb RATING
5.5/10
357
YOUR RATING
Marshall Dancing Elk Lucas in On Sacred Ground (2023)
A journalist and oil company executive find themselves on opposite sides of the fight during the construction of the contentious Dakota Access Pipeline that runs through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.
Play trailer1:52
2 Videos
24 Photos
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A journalist and oil company executive find themselves on opposite sides of the fight during the construction of the contentious Dakota Access Pipeline that runs through the Standing Rock In... Read allA journalist and oil company executive find themselves on opposite sides of the fight during the construction of the contentious Dakota Access Pipeline that runs through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.A journalist and oil company executive find themselves on opposite sides of the fight during the construction of the contentious Dakota Access Pipeline that runs through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

  • Directors
    • Joshua Tickell
    • Rebecca Harrell Tickell
  • Writers
    • William Mapother
    • Joshua Tickell
    • Rebecca Harrell Tickell
  • Stars
    • William Mapother
    • David Arquette
    • Amy Smart
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.5/10
    357
    YOUR RATING
    • Directors
      • Joshua Tickell
      • Rebecca Harrell Tickell
    • Writers
      • William Mapother
      • Joshua Tickell
      • Rebecca Harrell Tickell
    • Stars
      • William Mapother
      • David Arquette
      • Amy Smart
    • 9User reviews
    • 6Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 4 wins & 2 nominations total

    Videos2

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:52
    Official Trailer
    On Sacred Ground
    Trailer 1:52
    On Sacred Ground
    On Sacred Ground
    Trailer 1:52
    On Sacred Ground

    Photos24

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    Top cast59

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    William Mapother
    William Mapother
    • Daniel McKinney
    David Arquette
    David Arquette
    • Elliot
    Amy Smart
    Amy Smart
    • Julie
    Frances Fisher
    Frances Fisher
    • Ricky
    Mariel Hemingway
    Mariel Hemingway
    • Marion
    Aqeel Ash-Shakoor
    Aqeel Ash-Shakoor
    • Frank
    Amanda Cheyenne Bass
    • Young Sioux Woman
    Irene Bedard
    Irene Bedard
    • Mary Singing Crow
    Anita Farmer Bergman
    Anita Farmer Bergman
    • Water Protector
    Chastity Branson
    Chastity Branson
    • Water protectors
    Devin Broadbent
    Devin Broadbent
    • Cody
    John E. Brownlee
    • Veteran
    Bill Childers
    Bill Childers
    • Veteran
    Angela Coburn
    • Water Protector
    Layla Cushman
    Layla Cushman
    • Faith
    Richard Doone
    • Church Parishoner
    Thomas Dunbar
    • Priest
    Reese Foster
    Reese Foster
    • Deputy Sheriff
    • Directors
      • Joshua Tickell
      • Rebecca Harrell Tickell
    • Writers
      • William Mapother
      • Joshua Tickell
      • Rebecca Harrell Tickell
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews9

    5.5357
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    Featured reviews

    10enrundle

    Important, Compelling, Emotional

    On Sacred Ground is more than just a story about an oil pipeline encroaching native land. Josh and Rebecca Tickell have once again used their platform in film to give voices to those who are struggling. Army veteran, Daniel McKinney, portrayed by William Mapother, exemplifies the struggles U. S. veterans face when they return home from deployment. The trauma they experience overseas is often overlooked and unfortunately mental health programs are not prioritized enough. The Tickell's also made sure to acknowledge the injustice that Indigenous women face. This is a topic that I personally have not seen talked about on screen before. This movie intellectually challenges you with its various perspectives of a controversial societal issue. It's an emotional and moving watch that I recommend seeing as soon as possible!
    10callistaferrin

    A Touching Storyline with Authentic Representation.

    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.
    10jenlbonsignore

    Great Representation, Talented Cast, and Moving Story

    The motion picture, On Sacred Ground, was executed with excellence. Directors Rebecca and Josh Tickell did a wonderful job portraying the narrative of the continuation of the Dakota Access Pipeline over the Lakota "Sioux" Tribe's land. On Sacred Ground included voices from true Native Americans, which showed their respect for those whose story was being written. By representing the indigenous women in such a way that showed audiences how they were vocal and strong and not instigating and violent was a great way that this motion picture gave respect to the Lakota Tribe. This cinematic masterpiece has many powerful layers, including the display of PTSD suffered by veterans, the ethical dilemma of a journalist, and the life of a married couple with a baby on the way. Despite all these conflicts, the awareness for protecting indigenous rights does not take a back seat. This motion picture has a voice of its own and I highly recommend watching On Sacred Ground for a moving cinematic experience.
    9miguelromerofilm

    A story about compromise

    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.
    10rennaweber

    Compelling Storytelling and Perspective

    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.

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      The movie shows that radiocarbon dating is performed on an arrowhead (made of stone) and indicates the arrowhead to be 1500 years old. Radiocarbon dating can only be used on materials that were once alive, i.e., animal or plant.

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • January 13, 2023 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • Lancaster, Ohio, USA
    • Production companies
      • Big Picture Ranch
      • PIC Collective
      • Slated
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 26 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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