We Are Our Totem: A Native American Tale

Short Documentary - Cultural - Indigenous - Environment

Around the globe, First Nation cultures respect and pay tribute to the guardians and protectors of their world, connecting with the animals as their totems. We adventure into the Native American culture with Bobby Runningfox, a Medicine Man, to share the beauty of animal spirits, destruction of the planet and why we, as humans, are not the hierarchy after all. Indigenous wisdom might save us all...

  • Mivon Prince-Leyva
    Director & Producer
  • Bobby Runningfox
    Key Cast
    "(Himself) "
  • Alex Cimbal
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Documentary, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Documentary, Culture, Environment, Indigenous
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 3, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Black Magic Ursa
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - SAE QANTM Creative Media Institute - Brisbane & Byron Bay
Director Biography

As an aspiring actor of 10 years, I am reaching to showcase content that will change the world to create more of a positive change for a better home for all of mankind. Until that manifests itself, the career as a filmmaker has been on the radar for a long time, focusing on being the one that creates rather than waits…. My energy & enthusiasm is what I am known for, 110% effort into everything I do and develop.

My father is a Native American Medicine Man and I have been in training since I was 8years old. Learning side by side from my father and many other teachers across the globe. The responsibility to my role and to myself, is to gain as much knowledge and compassion towards as many perspectives, cultures, tribes & traditions of what they perceive is their truth and best form of medicine. My practice is simply to be a student of learning and expand upon the knowledge and experiences that I have obtained, so I can be a true teacher when the time is right. I’ve seen many healers, shamans and gurus, who may talk the ‘jab’ ,though do not speak with full authenticity... My intention always, is to ‘walk the truth-walk the talk’, to be as authentic as possible. I want every fiber of my being to be an asset to create more harmony with mankind, all living things and MotherEarth.

So in regards to filmmaking, my passion is to create visual mediums that will help mankind to evolve. As an actor as well, I have observed that films have such a niche of helping individuals in their lives, either that might be an unconscious-act through thoughts of reflection, the fulfillment of joy or grief, unleashing the cap of resentful anger, moments of sweet gratitude or taking physical action that speaks through their heart. Whatever the journey of the film might be, its objective (if it is done right), is to create a pathway through motivation of action or reflection, which effortlessly is another way of healing. This is just another tool to help humanity to evolve towards better versions of themselves. And I want to be a part of that change.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a first-time director and producer, this is my first short documentary and I am delighted to share a message that needs to be shared around the world. My father is a Native American Medicine Man and I have been training to be one as well, since I was 8years old.

The Native American culture is so beautiful and divine where I felt there weren't many stories being told about one of the aspects of what makes the First Nation cultures truly beautiful. And that is their communion with how they respect and admire their ancestors & fellow-neighbors, animals. Creating balance between humans, animals and all living things working together, synergy as one, is their priority. Working with a flourishing planet Earth, instead not driving towards divide or conquer. Progression for a better life for all living things.

This project firstly was created when I was studying my Bachelor of Film in Australia at SAE Creative Institute, Brisbane & Byron Bay, Australia. It was completed in September 2021, then further polished and refined early 2022 to be ready for showcasing, which has been 100% self-funded in development and distribution.

I hope you enjoy this endeavour of watching this short documentary, where I believe it will share more awareness and compassion towards that Native American culture and all First Nations. My projection for this project is to acquire enough funding and representation, to offer to showcase all First Nation cultures, to dive deeper into their knowledge & understanding about their ideology/way of life, totems/animals guardians and what constructs them to be truly magical to witness & experience.

Turn this project into a series of showcasing different cultures around the world about their relationship with the magic of the culture/people and animals.

My passion is to develop creative projects that inspire humanity to either reflect or motivate to transform the world to a more of an 'aware-compassionate race' all over the globe. This project 'Totem', is just the beginning of many to come...

Wado x
Thank you

Sincerely,
Mivon Prince-Leyva