2024-2025 Filmmaker Fellows
Confluence is pleased to announce the second Confluence Filmmaker Fellows program in partnership with Oregon Film. As part of the program, three Indigenous video artists receive cash prizes to support a film project they are developing: one for $5,000 and two for $2,500. Three other Emerging Indigenous Filmmakers will receive full camera kits (or equivalent cost equipment, calculated at $800) so that they can take their craft to the next level.
Eligible projects would align broadly to Confluence’s mission to connect people to the history, living cultures, and ecology of our region through Indigenous voices. Some ideas for possible themes include Growth, Healing, and Community. The goal is to support Indigenous filmmakers in achieving their visions.
An advisory committee chooses the finalists. This committee includes filmmakers Woodrow Hunt, LaRonn Katchia, NACF President Shyla Spicer, and prior fellows Daisy Minthorn and Alana Tiikpuu Walker.
After some months, the fellows were chosen. We are pleased to announce that this cohort of fellows includes:
$800 Camera Kit: Megita Denton, Farrell Whitefoot, The Warm Springs Community Action Team
$2500 Awards: Xakái Arquette, Ke-ash Tallon Jackson
$5000 Award: Brutis Baez
Xakái Arquette
Xakái Arquette (Yakama) grew up on the Yakama reservation and is currently based in Portland, Oregon. His upbringing fostered a communal and environmental-focused worldview that he carries to this day. His vision as an artist not only stems from his upbringing but also through his college years at Haskell Indian Nations University where he was able to engage with members of various tribal communities throughout the U.S and also be immersed in research topics related to environmentalism and Indigeneity. This conjunction fostered an acute curiosity and exploration of environmental and tribal paradigms through the lens of writing (research, stories, poetry), photography, videography, DJing, and dance. His curiosity and exploration continues to this day with hopes to support societal visions of a healthier and just future.
Brutis Baez
Brutis Baez is a dynamic figure whose passions intertwine music, filmmaking, and entrepreneurship, making him a unique presence in the creative landscape. With a deep love for storytelling, Brutis uses his diverse talents to inspire and connect with audiences across multiple mediums. Born and raised on the Warm Springs reservation and deeply rooted in the community.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Brutis ventured into filmmaking, recognizing the visual medium’s potential to enhance storytelling. He started creating short films and music videos that capture the essence of his songs, often exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience. Brutis Baez continues to work with Native youth in filmmaking along his business partner and friend LaRonn Katchia and enjoys working with many folks in the Warm Springs community.
Tallon ke-ash Jackson
As a proud member of the Klamath Tribes, I am dedicated to telling stories that elevate
Indigenous voices and narratives. With a foundation of practical experience and a passion for
crafting meaningful visual content, I aim to inform, inspire, and entertain diverse audiences. I
excel in creating media that amplifies underrepresented perspectives while championing
collaborative, innovative storytelling.
Megita Denton
Multi-racial Intermedia artist hailing from the South and Southwest U.S. and embedded into the Pacific Northwest region and cultures. Megita exists part time in Oregon, Arizona, and Texas as each place holds artistic endeavors and family. Megita was born on her grandmother’s couch in Galveston, Texas in 1979 and has been living and creating unconventionally ever since. Megita Denton’s Intermedia practice is grounded in the land, motivated by connection, and sculpted for positive social impact. Her recent site-specific public works are the next evolution of a practice that includes film, sound, metal and mixed media sculpture, painting, woodworking, fiber arts, photography, printmaking, large scale public murals, performance, composition, resilient landscape design, and artistic research. Working to re-create and restore human connection to the natural world, Denton draws on her Indigenous perspective, her farmer’s knowledge of the land, and her diverse community collaborations. Making work that speaks of the traditions of the past and responds to the challenges of the present, Denton anchors our evolution and survival in our care of the land, offering alternative perspectives on the future.
Farrell Whitefoot
Farrell Whitefoot lives on the Yakama Reservation but returns annually to The Dalles, Oregon to fish at usual and accustomed fishing sites for his family. He participates in longhouses at Celilo, Oregon and Toppenish Creek in White Swan, WA. and is deeply connected to the teachings and oral history of Yakama People.
Warm Springs Community Action Team
The Warm Springs Community Action Team works at the grassroots level to open doors and empower lives by investing in our greatest resource – the people of Warm Springs. We help our community members sow the seeds of economic change by removing barriers and providing education empowering them to envision a more positive future. With a hand up, not a hand out, you can start or expand a business, buy a new home or car, or get a college or vocational degree. We offer programs in asset building, financial education, and small business promotion to drive personal development and help strengthen our community. Learn, save and grow with us.
