Santa Fe International Film Festival to honor 'Reservation Dogs' co-creator Sterlin Harjo

Sterlin Harjo blazes his own path in TV and film.

The “Reservation Dogs” co-writer, producer and director will be honored by the Santa Fe International Film Festival with the Visionary Award on Oct. 21.

The festival is celebrating its 15th year.

"It is exciting to have the chance to recognize the phenomenal career of Sterlin Harjo," says Jacques Paisner, SFiFF artistic director. "His work is a testament to the power of storytelling in independent films."

Harjo is a member of the Seminole Nation and has Muskogee heritage.

He received a fellowship from the Sundance Institute in 2004, and he was awarded a 2021 Peabody Award for producing the TV series

Harjo works on “Reservation Dogs,” alongside Taika Waititi, who is also co-writing and executive producing.

Harjo also co-wrote the screenplay for “Rez Ball,” with Gallup native Sydney Freeland. The film is slated to be released by Netflix.

"This is a story that is so deep and close to me, and to be able to showcase our part of America with the world authentically is deeply gratifying," Freeland says about working with Harjo on “Rez Ball.” "We set out to make a film from an authentic point of view, and our incredible cast has brought Sterlin's (Harjo) and my words to life in that way.”

Harjo will accept the SFiFF Visionary Award for his exceptional talent and ingenuity in filmmaking.

The ceremony will include a special discussion with Harjo and “Reservation Dogs” and “Resident Alien” actor Gary Farmer.

Previous recipients of the SFiFF Visionary Award include director Catherine Hardwicke, documenteur Alexandria Bombach, and Ted Hope, former Head of Amazon Original Productions.

Harjo’s last appearance at SFiFF was in 2015, when his film, “Mekko,” won the festival’s prestigious juried award for Best Narrative Feature.

Tickets are $35, plus fees at lensic.org.