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Mary Margaret Road-Grader

In writer/director Steven Paul Judd’s adaptation of Howard Waldrop's 1976 sci-fi short story, Mary Margaret Road-Grader transports us to a post-apocalyptic Indigenous world. Stakes are high for a new and controversial contender as she fights for her place amidst changing traditions.

We open on a quiet night around a crackling fire. An elder, Billy Bob, is reminiscing of changing times to members of his village. Fading into his memories, he recounts “the day she came into our lives”.

We are quickly transported to our barren, post-apocalyptic desert landscape in which car culture rules all. A younger Billy Bob and his right hand man, Freddy-in-the-Hollow, pull up and through a bustling marketplace at the Fossil Creek compound, where this year’s ceremonial Tractor Pulls will take place. They set up shop among the many other vendors hawking their goods: batteries, Native clothing, Indian tacos, used auto parts.

It’s anyone’s guess who might show up to compete this year, but as with all great sports of spectacle, bets are being placed. An unexpected newcomer, Mary Margaret, arrives on the scene. As “the Pulls” are a contest historically reserved for men, the Council meets to decide if Mary Margaret can enter. While one renowned competitor, Simon Red Bulldozer, is interested in the challenge, Elmo Deere, the established G.O.A.T of the sport, is disgusted. The Council votes in her favor.

The pulls commence! Crowds roar as we move through each competition. Larger-than-life vehicles, each with their own unique amalgamation of salvaged and mismatched parts, tear away at the land. Competitor’s planks move up and off our leaderboard and one puller after another is eliminated, including Elmo Deere who is bested by Mary Margaret. Our final match pits Mary Margaret against Simon Red Bulldozer.

After hours of battle over two days, the competition is suddenly halted when a bullet flies through Mary Margaret’s windshield. Billy Bob spots the source from the bleachers: a humiliated and vengeful Elmo Deere is firing from a watchtower. Billy Bob and Freddy rush into the arena, joining Mary Margaret in the gunfight. Mary Margaret takes a hit and falls to the ground. Billy Bob takes Elmo out, and runs to a bloodied Mary Margaret who is barely able to muster the only question on her mind: “Did I win?”.

The ceremonies end, and the people of Fossil Creek disperse across the dusty desert landscape once again. Billy Bob returns to Mary Margaret’s Village, where we fast forward to their idyllic life together. We end our film pulling back from the rusted, abandoned Road-Grader: a snapshot of a turning point in our character’s histories.

  • Steven Paul Judd
    Director
    Dark Winds, Marvel's Echo
  • Colin Levy
    Creative Director
    Skywatch, My Grandfather's Memory Book, Agent 327
  • Steven Paul Judd
    Writer
  • Howard Waldrop
    Story By
    Night of the Cooters
  • George RR Martin
    Producer
    Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, Night of the Cooters
  • Elias Gallegos
    Producer
  • Lenore Gallegos
    Producer
  • Ti Mikkel
    Producer
  • Taylor Church
    Producer
    Takeover, Night of the Cooters, The Liberator
  • Greg Jonkajtys
    Producer
    Takeover, Ark, The Liberator
  • LC Crowley
    Producer
    Takeover, Night of the Cooter, The Liberator Dirty Jobs, Stuff You Should Know
  • Joe Dean
    Producer
  • CRYSTLE LIGHTNING
    Key Cast
    "Mary Margaret Road-Grader"
  • MARTIN SENSMEIER
    Key Cast
    "Billy Bob"
  • ZACHARY MARK WADE
    Key Cast
    "Freddy in the Hollow"
  • DALLIN MAYBEE
    Key Cast
    "Elmo Deere"
  • ELIAS GALLEGOS
    Key Cast
    "Simon Red Bulldozer"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes 40 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 27, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    2,212,741 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Navajo
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.89:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Steven Paul Judd

Steven Paul Judd is a Kiowa-Choctaw artist, writer, and filmmaker redefining cultural boundaries with an ingenious approach. Judd seamlessly melds pop culture with the richness of Native tradition, creating a tapestry that resonates with diverse audiences.

Judd's filmmaking credits include co-producer/writer of AMC's "Dark Winds" Season Two, which debuted in August 2023 and co-writer of the pilot of Marvel's upcoming "Echo," slated for a winter 2023 release. His screenplays have been bought by entertainment giants including Netflix, HBO, Disney, Marvel, and Universal Studios.

In 2016, he was awarded the prestigious United States Artists Fellowship and in 2008, the revered ABC/Disney Writers Fellowship. His visual art has been showcased in the Smithsonian, and through notable design collaborations with brands including Nike and Vans.

His creations serve as both a catalyst for thought and a source of entertainment, sparking conversation as he continues to shape cultural dialogues and captivate hearts at the crossroads of tradition and innovation.

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Director Statement

I am honored to present “Mary Margaret Road-Grader”, an adaptation of Howard Waldrop’s award winning 1976 sci-fi short story. This project is not only a labor of love but also a significant step towards showcasing the richness of Indigenous storytelling, our innovative visual styles, and commitment to increased representation in American Film.

At its core, “Mary Margaret Road-Grader” explores themes of displacement, gender inequality, changing traditions, and the enduring spirit of survival in a world that has undergone significant upheaval. These themes resonate deeply with my own ancestral history and personal experiences as a Native American.

In this film, I aim to create an immersive visual experience that reflects the unique perspective of Indigenous cultures. We will weave together traditional storytelling techniques with Trioscope's cutting-edge cinematic technology to transport our audience into the world. The film’s visual style will blur the lines between past and present, reality and memory, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors the Indigenous concept of time as cyclical rather than linear.

It is essential to acknowledge that Indigenous voices and stories have been underrepresented in American cinema. We have assembled a diverse and passionate cast and crew to ensure that our storytelling is authentic, respectful, and inclusive. We also shot this film in New Mexico where there is an intimate relationship between the filmmaking and Native communities.

“Mary Margaret Road-Grader” is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Indigenous storytellers. It is a celebration of our culture and a reflection of our unique perspectives on the world. It is my hope that this film will resonate with audiences from all backgrounds.

Thank you for considering “Mary Margaret Road Grader” for the Sundance Film Festival. I am excited to share this project with the world and to continue the journey of telling stories that reflect the rich tapestry of Indigenous experiences.

Steven Paul Judd
Writer/Director, “Mary Margaret Road-Grader”