Private Project

Guts

A hungry drifter on the Navajo reservation embarks on a comedic adventure to steal ceremonial sheep intestines, weaving together an uproarious tale that pays homage to Navajo folk stories and language.

  • Elias Gold
    Director
    Disinfectant
  • Elias Gold
    Writer
  • Marisela Campos
    Producer
    Brother, The 11th Order
  • Ed McCulloch
    Producer
    Wretched
  • Benjamin Thevenin
    Producer
    Wretched
  • Loren Anthony
    Producer
    Dark Winds, Dexter, How to Blow Up a Pipeline
  • Katy Drake Bettner
    Producer
    Shouting Down Midnight
  • Loren Anthony
    Key Cast
    "The Man"
    Dark Winds, Dexter, How to Blow Up a Pipeline
  • Pete Sands
    Key Cast
    "Clerk"
    Navajo Highways
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Hastiin Bi'Achii
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Comedy, Adventure
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 46 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 5, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Navajo
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Arri Alexa Mini LF
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Elias Gold

Born and Raised on Navajoland in New Mexico, Navajo writer and filmmaker Elias Gold is always finding ways to elevate Native voices and perspectives in pop culture. With his successful YouTube channel Native Media Theory, he engages the indigenous community in conversations about pressing issues within the culture.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Throughout my formative years, I developed a profound fondness for the simple yet impactful tales shared by Navajo Elders. These stories, concise in nature, often serve as valuable life lessons or provide a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of their lives and surroundings.

My great-grandmother, who spoke exclusively in Navajo, passed down this particular tale, which became an integral part of my upbringing and sense of humor. GUTS is akin to a witty anecdote with a punchline, offering an intriguing blend of humor and culture.

In my directorial approach, I aim to infuse my unique personal touch while illuminating a quiet facet of Navajo life. Through our hero, I want to convey that, despite being unconventional and weird to those around him, his unwavering determination drives him to pursue his desires… at any expense.

With GUTS, I want to capture and convey that same evocative essence to our audience through raw but unadulterated sincerity.