James Pakootas is a modern-day story weaver who cultivates change in the world through the power of moving pictures. James was raised on The Colville Indian Reservation in Washington State as an enrolled member of The Colville Confederated Tribes.

He leaned on his experience as an influential, multi-award winning artist & producer when he made his directorial debut in 2021 at LA SKINS FEST with "HIStory,” a piece written by best friend and long-time collaborator, Tony Louie.

Tony and James won a Native American Music Award in 2019 for "Best Rap/Hip Hop Video," entitled "Break These Chains" (Feat. Big D), and continue to expand their artistic practice and adapt to an ever-changing life as they navigate their way out of a global pandemic together through the art of storytelling.

He is also credited as a producer on "Sister Wolves," an animated short film that won the "Achievement In Animation" Award at LA SKINS FEST, and was also named an official selection at American Indian Film Festival and Maoriland Film Festival in 2020.

James continues to influence the film industry as a co-founder and co=producer of The Root Experience. A BIPOC arts & film festival set in The Pacific Northwest.