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.

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.

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!

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.

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.