Trickster
Short Fiction, Super 16mm / Digibeta, 5:30, 2008
Language
Pauite
Log Line
A young boy on a Reservation shoots an animal and goes to great lengths to hide the animal.
Synopsis
“Trickster” is about an eight year-old Pauite boy who shoots an animal. His older sister intuitively knows that he has done something wrong. The two children ride their bikes into the desert and bring the animal to the “Pit”, a bone yard. But how much further will they go to cover up the incident?
Director’s Statement
“Trickster” was filmed on the Northern Pauite reservation in Yerington, Nevada. The narrative was inspired by the Paiute creation myths about a Coyote and his sibling Wolf, and Wolf’s efforts to keep them out of trouble. The film Native American non-professional performers, and their indigenous language and landscape, which have never before been documented in film. Two kids on the reservation, Brandon and Kiani, helped me to construct the events and action of the story. Using their input, combining western iconography and a sparse use of dialogue, the film creates a quiet and naturalistic experience of children living on an isolated reservation.
Festivals and Screenings
Salento Finibus Terrae Short Film Festival
July 2009
Category: International Children’s World
http://www.salentofinibusterrae.it/
RedCat
May 2008
http://www.redcat.org/
Cast
Brandon Jackson
Kiani Jackson
Ida Mae Valdez
Crew
Writer / Director / Producer / Editor: Eliza Hittman
Director of Photography: Scott Cummings
Assistant Camera: Ben Rodkin
Production Sound: Jamie Williams, Jenny Hatchadorian
Sound Design / Mix: Benjamin Huff
Online: Lisa Schoenberg
Shooting Location: Yerington, Nevada
