Sterlin Harjo

Directing

Sterlin Harjo

Born November 14, 1979 · Holdenville, Oklahoma, USA (age 46)

Sterlin Harjo (born 14 November 1979) is a member of the Seminole Nation and has Muskogee heritage. He was raised in Holdenville, Oklahoma and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he studied art and film. He received a fellowship from the Sundance Institute in 2004. His short film, Goodnight, Irene, premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival and received a special jury award at the Aspen …

Known For

Rez BallRez Ball · 2024
Rez Ball
★ 6.42024
MovieDrama
After losing their star player, a high school basketball team rooted in Native American culture must unite to keep their state championship dreams alive.
Powwow PeoplePowwow People · 2025
Powwow People
2025
MovieDocumentary
Powwow People is a portrait of a powwow and its participants.
ScalpedScalped · 2017
Scalped
2017
MovieCrimeWestern
A modern day crime story set in the world of a Native American Indian reservation, and explores power, loyalty, and spirituality in a community led by the ambitious Chief Lincoln Red Crow, as he reckons with Dashiell Bad Horse who has returned home after years away from the reservation.
GatherGather · 2020
Gather
★ 6.72020
MovieDocumentary
A portrait of a growing movement amongst Indigenous Americans to reclaim their spiritual and cultural identities through obtaining sovereignty over their ancestral food systems, while battling against the historical trauma brought on by centuries of genocide.
Thin PlacesThin Places · 2025
Thin Places
2025
MovieDrama
After her sister Tama’s untimely passing, Birdie learns that the bond between them is stronger than life and death.
This May Be the Last TimeThis May Be the Last Time · 2014
This May Be the Last Time
★ 8.02014
MovieDocumentary
Filmmaker Sterlin Harjo's Grandfather disappeared mysteriously in 1962. The community searching for him sang songs of encouragement that were passed down for generations. Harjo explores the origins of these songs as well as the violent history of his people.
Four Sheets to the WindFour Sheets to the Wind · 2007
Four Sheets to the Wind
★ 4.72007
MovieRomanceDrama
After his father's untimely suicide, Cufe leaves his home in a Native American reservation in search of a more fulfilling life.
MekkoMekko · 2015
Mekko
★ 6.62015
MovieThrillerDrama
Mekko gets out of prison after 19 years. He has no home or family so he makes his way to Tulsa. He tries to connect with a cousin but she turns him away. With nowhere to go Mekko ends up sleeping on the streets. He is taken in by the homeless native community. At times jovial, there is a dark undercurrent to the community. He begins having issues with a man named Bill. Bill is pure evil. Convinced that this man is a witch, Mekko turns to the old teachings of his grandmother in order to rid the community of this 'witch'. It's a story of redemption, and hope. Mekko is in search of his home and the strength to forgive himself of his past.

Filmography

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