"I am not dreaming. I'm awake." The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota captures world attention through their peaceful resistance against the U.S. government's plan to construct an oil pipeline through their land.

Interview with documentary principal and co-writer Floris White Bull

Main photo: Floris White Bull at Turtle Island

Congratulations! Why did you make this film?

Why did many people come to Standing Rock to support us? Many of those people were of other indigenous nations, other religions, other races, many walks of life were represented at Standing Rock. As these many people came wanting to help not just on the front line but in camp, they found their place. These beautiful people brought with them their gifts, their riches. They found their own place in our circle. Josh was one of them. He brought his camera with him and his ability to document this critical point in history. Others brought their hands and helped build winter structures, others helped cook, others helped organize on different levels.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

As a common person, I encourage others to watch it because it is something that was not picked up and reported on by mainstream media besides a few like Lawrence O'Donnell and DemocracyNow! I know a lot of us look to reporting agencies for an ethical, unbiased reporting on things that do and are going to affect us. Coming from our perspective here on Standing Rock, we saw very little reporting in our over six month standoff. This is a solid every day standoff since the dog attacks. For what is at stake, the future vs profits for wealthy, and the shift in roles and purpose for law enforcement: I saw all of this with my own two eyes. This is why I believe it is important for people to see.

On November 20th militarized police fired water cannons, tear gas, and concussion grenades at Water Protectors during freezing temperatures. Image from AWAKE, A DREAM FROM STANDING ROCK captured by James Spione

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I've been to maybe a dozen screenings since the release and along with the online feedback I get it is very well received. It creates a platform to speak about personal experiences for some, or when they were following it online and their emotions, treaty rights, indigenous rights, human rights, the laws of nature, rights of nature, history and so much more. Overall, well received and humbling to be a part of.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Personally, I know my motives as to why, what, and who I stand for. That's never changed.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I believe in the power of the people. I believe that we as common people have the ability to unite and change the direction we're as a collective population, heading towards. There is something that came to me one day: "collective consequence". It's the same across the board, no matter your demographic, we all as a collective suffer the consequences of the path we choose. My aim is that our children, our future generations, don't suffer greatly because of our conveniences. The more people I can reach the better. I would very much appreciate your help in this.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I hope for change. Change in energy practices, a shift to renewable clean energy. A recognition of the history of the indigenous nations, rights, an acknowledgement of the atrocities we've suffered. From the camp to the screenings, I see a welcoming and voices wanting, ready, to acknowledge this and ready to heal history. People want to make thing right. That starts with conversations, this film has the ability to talk about history, true history.

Tara Zhaabowekwe Houska at Oceti Sakowin Camp. Image from the film AWAKE, A DREAM FROM STANDING ROCK captured by Josh Fox.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

I think by asking if they've heard about Standing Rock.

Would you like to add anything else?

Yes! I'd like to thank you for your time and this opportunity, truly thank you!

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

We are working on developing the AWAKE media fund and healing camp for those who need support from traumas suffered on the front lines.

Interview: February 2018

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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AWAKE, A Dream From Standing Rock

"I am not dreaming. I'm awake." The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota captures world attention through their peaceful resistance against the U.S. government's plan to construct an oil pipeline through their land.

Length: 89 Min

Director: Josh Fox, James Spione, and Myron Dewey

Producer: International WOW Company, Our Revolution, Bold Alliance, and Josh Fox

Executive Producer: Doug Good Feather, Amy Zeiring, and Lauren Taschen

Co-Producers: Kyle Cadotte, Teena Pugliese, and Deia Schlosberg

Writer: Josh Fox, Floris White Bull, and Myron Dewey

About the writer, director and producer:

Floris White Bull: Raised at Standing Rock, Floris White Bull graduated Summa Cum Laude with degrees in Energy Technology and Native American Studies from Sitting Bull College. -

Doug Good Feather: Doug Good Feather is the Executive Director of Spirit Horse Nation and the Lakota Way Healing Center. He is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Josh Fox: Academy Award nominated, Emmy Award winning filmmaker Josh Fox (GASLAND Parts I and II), is an internationally recognized spokesperson on fracking and extreme energy development.

James Spione: James Spione is the Academy Award nominated filmmaker behind the whistleblower film Silenced, Incident in New Baghdad, American Farm, and many more. -

Myron Dewey: Founder and owner of Digital Smoke Signals, Dewey is a professor, filmmaker/editor, digital storyteller, historical trauma trainer, drone operator and journalist.

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): AUDIENCE! Please watch our film on Netflix!

Social media handles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWAKEaDreamFromStandingRock/

Other: awakethefilm.org

Funders: 100% of proceeds will be donated to further the film’s mission through the Awake Media Fund and the Pipeline Fighters Fund which were created by the filmmakers to support future pipeline battles and indigenous journalists. Thank you to everyone who purchased the film and supported our Awake Media Fund. The film was possible because of the generosity of Lauren Taschen, Laurie David, Carol Ann Emiques, and Janet Frisen.

Made in association with: Morning Light Films and Digital Smoke Signals

Where will the film screen in the next month? Awake will be screening in Kimberly BC on February 10th, Williamstown, MA on February 13th, Peace Dale, RI on February 20th, Seattle, WA on February 22nd, and Anchorage, AK on February 23rd. We also have an upcoming screening in Bismarck, ND tentatively set for February 25th.