As some of you know, in 2016 I spent some time at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation observing the Native-led resistance to the infamous Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), which captured national and global attention.  While on the ground, I had the opportunity to report for digital media outlets like Now This, the Daily Beast and Rolling Stone. Many of you also know that were it not for non-mainstream media outlets, Standing Rock may not have garnered the attention it deserved as one of the greatest demonstrations of civil disobedience in U.S. history.

When I returned home I reached out to Indigenous filmmaker Myron Dewey and director James Spione, and it’s through those discussions that we are honored to present a new documentary, AWAKE, A Dream From Standing Rock,’ which captures some of the many stories of the Native-led resistance that forever changed the way people approach the fight for Indigenous sovereignty and fighting fossil fuel infrastructure, Big Oil corruption and climate change. While people may know some of the details associated with Standing Rock, AWAKE portrays the story from the words and reflections of Indigenous leaders and their allies, who travelled from around the globe to stand in solidarity.

The new film will be available to audiences everywhere online and featured at the Tribeca Film Festival on Earth Day, April 22, 2017. Please click here to get more information and find out more about the film, including how to view it from your home and at a theater near you.

To honor the grassroots, people-fueled struggle against DAPL, International WOW has decided to release and promote this film independently to the people, by the people. Rather than charging for the film in a traditional way, audiences will be able to donate any amount they want(between $1-100) to stream the film online from April 22 to May 6. All proceeds will go to an Indigenous Media Fund and a Pipeline Fighters Fund supervised by the film’s creators and a council of indigenous leaders to support direct actions and indigenous filmmakers and journalists. All proceeds from the film will go to the Indigenous Media Fund and Pipeline Fighters Fund, which were created by the film’s creators and a council of Indigenous leaders to support future Native-led resistance and Indigenous filmmakers and journalists.

As one of the writers of the film, Floris White Bull, remarked, “The battle that began at Standing Rock is a battle for the soul of America itself, and it is far from over.” This film tells part of the long story of the struggle for Indigenous sovereignty and clean water that has resonated across the globe. I was honored and privileged to work with people leaders, like Floris and Douglas Good Feather, who guided this project every step of the way.

Even though DAPL was eventually constructed, it can hardly be considered a defeat for the water protectors. As you will see throughout the film, there are so many victories that made up the larger fight. With the recent announcement of the Keystone XL Pipeline, it’s through the stories of struggle, resistance and undeniable valor that we see throughout the film that offer sense hope and resilience to the many climate fights ahead for us.

I can honestly say that this is one of the most important projects of my career. I am pleased to share this film with you and the world. Click here to learn more about the film, including how you can pre-purchase and bring it to your community for a screening. I look forward to seeing all of you at Tribeca on April 22, 2017 whether in person or online.

Onward Together,

Josh and the International Wow Team