Film receiving wide attention

Posted 11/19/19

Local film director and producer Preston Randolph’s short film “Return to Foretop’s Father” is being accepted at regional and international film festivals, and can be seen on …

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Film receiving wide attention

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Local film director and producer Preston Randolph’s short film “Return to Foretop’s Father” is being accepted at regional and international film festivals, and can be seen on Wyoming PBS at 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Based on the life experiences and ecological spirituality of Grant Bulltail, Apsáalooke (Crow) Pipe Lighter and cultural historian, the film provides the background from which Grant’s knowledge was developed, beginning with stories from his grandfather He Comes Up Red (1847-1947), moving through Grant’s service as a Marine in Vietnam, and culminating with Grant’s role today, leading an annual “Return to Foretop’s Father.” The event includes a seminar, pipe ceremony and pilgrimage to Heart Mountain (a.k.a. Foretop’s Father).

Frustrated by the ecological devastation wrought by technologies that separate humans from the powerful truths of the natural world, the film concludes with Grant’s letter to the human community. The beautiful scenery of Heart Mountain and the collaboration between Grant and people who settled the Heart Mountain region deliver a message of urgency, awe, and reciprocity that meet the challenges of our times.

The film was accepted at the Red Nation Festival in Los Angeles, the largest Native American film festival in the world. It was also accepted at the Bend Festival, Laramie Festival, and has been entered at other significant festivals.

Grant Bulltail received a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, 2019. He has co-organized the annual Return to Foretop’s Father events for 10 years with Dr. Mary L. Keller and Rod and Lynn Morrison of Big Quiet Cowboy Camping (who were co-producers on the film project).

Many people and organizations have helped support the annual event.

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