We are seeking funds to finish Robin Starbuck's documentary film on Crow Native American Charlie Realbird .
Experimental Filmmaker Robin Starbuck's first documentary film follows Crow Native American horse culture through the story of one man, Charlie Realbird.
"When my father was a young boy his mother would stand on the cliffs above the house. She would pray there, and say her family were horse people: this was their gift, and their responsibility. When [my father] worked with the horses -- brought them in or helped train them -- his mother called this ‘iichiilish daik,’ in English, ‘going to the horses.’ It is what my father was born to do.”
- Shawn RealBird, son of Charlie RealBird
Iichiilish Daik (Going to the Horses) is story of one extraordinary man who has not only survived the unremitting challenges to Native American progress in the American west, but has done so with dignity, generosity, and outstanding success. The story of Charles, “Charlie” RealBird, reflects the confidence and honor of his entire tribe through his achievements as a breeder of American Paint Horses and his life as a father, spiritual leader, and member of the Crow Nation of southeastern Montana. This film includes the story of my own adoption by Charlie and the RealBird family and the five year journey we have taken together in the making of this film.
The film follows Charlie as an award-winning breeder and racer of American Paint horses, a parent invested in the preservation of tribal traditions for his children and grandchildren, and as an elder and spiritual counselor to his tribe.
As director and producer of this documentary, I have been filming with Charlie and his people for many years. The film includes my heartfelt associations with the Crow people from the outside in: first as a stranger and visitor to their tribal land, and now as an adopted daughter of the RealBird family.
Answers from the team:
What is Iichiilish Daik (Going to the Horses) about?
In Iichiilish Daik (Going to the Horses), Starbuck follows among other events, Charlie’s races with his horse, Crow Sovereign, his receipt of the prestigious American Paint Horse Association’s Legendary Achievement award, his participation in the Obama Presidential Inaugural parade, and images of the Crow men’s bareback wild relay race in Sheridan, Wyoming.
How can my funds help?
We are seeking funds to conduct final interviews, edit, and produce this film by late September 2012. Right now, Robin Starbuck has over five years of footage of the daily rhythm and texture of Charlie RealBird’s life in the Crow tribe.
Help us sustain the Crow Nation's rich tribal history – and to bring this inspiring story to the lives of Native American youth across the nation.
Ask us anything. Feel free to email Robin Starbuck or her assistants Ryland Heagerty, Shae Mermis, and Sofia Consuelo Nunez-Morales at robinstarbuckfilms@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook, and learn more about the film on our blog!
FAQ
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We are in the process of trying to raise an additional $2,500 as ten thousand dollars was our true goal from the start. We listed at seven in an effort to guarantee our success with this Kickstarter event. These additional funds will enable my small crew and I to return to Crow late this spring to film two crucial interviews we missed this time around and to film a special ceremony at Crow. We are also hoping to allocate funds for the film's distribution in the fall.
60
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Funding period
Feb 27, 2012 -
Apr 27, 2012
(60 days)
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- Website: robinstarbuck.com
Pledge $10 or more
16 backers
Thank you! For a $10 dollar donation you will receive a refrigerator magnet with a still image from the film! A variety of stills will be selected!! Surprises!
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $50 or more
9 backers
For a $50 dollar donation you will receive a COFFEE MUG!!! printed with an image of Charlie RealBird and the film's logo.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $75 or more
2 backers
For a $75 dollar donation you will receive a TOTE BAG!!! printed with an image of Charlie RealBird and the film's logo.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $150 or more
6 backers Limited (4 of 10 left)
For a $150 dollar donation you will receive an original copy of the documentary film, STILL BILL, a film on the legendary singer/songwriter Bill Withers. This DVD has been generously donated and signed by the director Damani Baker. You also receive a Charlie RealBird a tote bag. All donors will be thanked in the credits on the film.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $250 or more
2 backers
For a $250 dollar donation you will receive a 5x7, ready-to-frame, signed, IIchiilish Daik, production still photograph, a Charlie RealBird tote bag and you will receive a DVD copy of the film when it is released.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $350 or more
1 backer Limited (19 of 20 left)
For a $350 dollar donation you will receive one from a selection of three five color lithograph prints hand pulled by filmmaker Robin Starbuck in Florence, Italy during the Winter of 2009 and you will receive a DVD copy of IIchiilish Daik when it is released. For previews of Robin's studio work visit http://www.robinstarbuck.com
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $400 or more
0 backers
For a $400 dollar donation you will receive a carefully selected compilation of Iishiilish Daik's director, Robin Starbuck's previous film and video work. You will also receive one lithograph from the category above, and a DVD copy of IIchiilish Daik when it is released.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $500 or more
1 backer Limited (9 of 10 left)
For a $600 dollar donation you will receive a five color lithograph print hand pulled by artist Scott Duce in Florence, Italy during the Winter of 2009, and you will receive a DVD copy of IIchiilish Daik when it is released. For previews of Scott's work visit http://www.scottduce.com
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $1,000 or more
1 backer
For a $1000 dollar donation you and a guest will have the opportunity to attend one of two premiere screenings of Iishiilish Daik in the Fall of 2012. The first three donors will also receive a one of a kind production drawing by artist Scott Duce, and you will receive a DVD copy of IIchiilish Daik when it is released. We will be hosting the screenings in Billings, Montana and in New York City. You may choose which premiere you wish to attend. Charlie RealBird will be present at both! Donors at this level also receive one Charlie RealBird tote bag and a compilation DVD of Robin Starbuck's experimental films. (Flights and hotel accommodation are not included)
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $3,000 or more
1 backer Limited (24 of 25 left)
Thank you so much. In addition to tickets for two to one of the premiere screenings you have also reached Iishiilish Daik's Executive Contributor status. For this you receive Executive Contributor recognition in the credits of the film. In addition.... You and a guest have the option of #1 - taking a trail ride on horseback through the historical Custer Battle Field with Charlie RealBird and other members of the RealBird family. The battlefield is located in Garryowen, Montana (south of Billings, MT). OR #2 - You and a guest can have Dinner and drinks with director Robin Starbuck in New York City following the New York City premiere of the film. And you will receive a DVD copy of the IIchiilish Daik film when it is released. (Flights and hotel accommodation are not included)
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
