Kudos to the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) Center for Lifelong Learning for hosting the day-long 2011 tribal Youth Summit on August 8, 2011. Silver Bullet’s production “Ancient Pathways - Modern Leaders” was included in the program to help support tribal youth in developing Leadership and positive life skills.

Zuni Pueblo Student Workshop

In April of this year, Zuni Pueblo students participated in Silver Bullet Productions’ Writing/Acting Workshop, an Outreach program for Suicide Prevention. Students were engaged in writing an original screenplay, acting and producing, under the watchful eyes of Maura Dhu Studi and Wes Studi. The program is underwritten by the Center for Lifelong Education, at the Institute for American Indian Arts.

Special thanks go to the Zuni High school students and faculty for hosting a successful suicide prevention project. Each participating student was engaged, enthusiastic, and intelligent. The classes included intro to filmmaking, screen writing, into to film editing, acting and direction. SBP special thanks for the faculty support of Charlie Baker, Milford Weebothee and Deb Baxter. Each SBP workshop succeeds thanks to David Aubrey and James Becker - and the advice and star power of Maura Dhu Studi and Wes Studi, as well as the SBP CEO’s oversight.

“Ancient Pathways – Modern Leaders”

This 45 minute film was inspired by leaders of several of New Mexico’s Pueblos. It deals with the special and spiritual nature of leadership in New Mexico’s Pueblo nations. It is the essence of pueblo life; the very survival of pueblo culture depends on the devotion of its leaders to the greater good of the people. Leadership embodies selfless service to the community in advocacy for Pueblo sovereignty and lands and language, often at great personal sacrifice. The documentary explores the journey of a leader — the selection process identifies leaders for their character, knowledge, and passion for community survival. It depicts the model of leadership that has sustained a culture for more than a thousand years.

If you would like to view a trailer of the film, please click here.

On April 14 Silver Bullet Productions held a very successful public screening with over 200 attendees. A second screening (standing-room only!) was held on August 16 by the Southwest Association of American Indian Arts at the New Mexico History Museum Theatre.

This project was funded by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and supported by the Institute of American Indian Arts, Western Art & Architecture, La Fonda on the Plaza, and Global Center for Cultural Entrepreneurship.

“I’ve Got Your Back”

A dozen students from Laguna-Acoma Junior/Senior High School participated in a workshop directed by Native American actor Wes Studi and by his screenwriter wife Maura to produce a 7-minute film about the scourge of New Mexico’s pueblo nations and of Native tribes across the country: teenage suicide. The students acted out their message that they must not ignore warning signs from their friends and classmates, that they must intervene to save lives; they also provided the workshop’s theme and did all the research, and worked with SBP’s crew to shoot the film as well.  At the conclusion of the workshop, SBP provided 8 video cameras as “leave-behinds” for the school’s future efforts in film-making; 5 of the cameras were provided by Governor Richardson’s administration.

“The Power of a Teacher”

At the request of Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS), Silver Bullet Productions completed a moving short documentary about those special teachers who change lives. Through the words of children and teachers, we are able to better define what makes a powerful teacher. If you are fortunate, your life has been touched and changed by at least one special teacher. Thank you Santa Fe Superintendent Bobbie Gutierrez for the opportunity to explore the passion of teaching. The film was used throughout the SFPS district as part of professional development before the start of the 2010-11 school year. Please contact Silver Bullet to request a copy or go to www.sfps.info to view online.

“Achievement Gap Summit”

NM Public Education engaged Silver Bullet Productions to produce a 12-minute film of the 3 Achievement Gap Summit conferences aimed at detailing the BOLD IDEAS that emerge from the sessions. Governor Richardson’s challenge to summit attendees is to consider and then enact good ideas aimed at reducing the academic achievement gaps that exist between minority students vs. Anglo students in the public schools of New Mexico.

“Promises to Children”

Silver Bullet Productions collaborated with the New Mexico Lt. Governor’s office and the Public Education Department to create a short video to motivate participants in New Mexico’s Graduation Summits, including four state summits, and several local or district Summits. New Mexico joined the 49 other states and District of Columbia in a national initiative for America’s Promise Alliance, founded in 1997 by General Colin Powell. The unifying goal is to change the outcome for children to include graduation from high school ready for work and life. This DVD, narrated by the gifted actress and Advisor to Silver Bullet Productions, Ali MacGraw, focuses on the impact that caring adults have on the lives of children. This DVD was sent to the Alliance for sharing with other states that had not yet held their Graduation Summits.

View “Promises to Children” 30-second PSA with Ali MacGraw

Santo Domingo Pueblo: Public Service Announcement and Lt. Governor’s Message on Centennial Graduate Initiative, July 2009

The Santo Domingo Pueblo class of 2012 acted in a message narrated by Wes Studi to address the national and state concern of Native American Dropout rising statistics. In addition, Lt. Governor Diane Denish joined the students in a state message to encourage completion of high school with record graduation rates in 2012.

View Centennial Pledge PSA

Rural Revitalization: Three stages in Three NM Rural Communities

At the request of NM Rural Education, SBP compiled the best of our documentaries on Rural Revitalization. The Rural Education division recognized the need to show other states the benefits of revitalizing rural communities using the collaboration of schools and communities to invigorate economics of small town America.

Santa Fe High School: Public Service Announcement, February 2009

At the completion of a research and writing workshop, SFHS journalism students wrote and acted in a PSA on Staying in School as a public message to combat the national and state epidemic of Dropping Out of school. The message was recognized and promoted by state networks and the National Dropout Prevention Program.

View 30-second PSA on dropout prevention | View 15-second PSA on dropout prevention

Taos Pueblo High School: Writing and Acting Workshop for 9th grade students, September 2008

Applying the successful model used in Zia Pueblo, SBP and Wes and Maura Studi, guided the 9th graders through an original screenplay on perils of peer pressure and the consequences of positive choices. The outcome included increased skills in writing, intro to film and sound, and acting. The students expressed increased confidence and renewed aspirations for graduation and continued learning.

Fort Sumner: Revitalization Through Collaboration, August 2008

Steeped in legends of Billy the Kid, Fort Sumner also represents the epitome of small town charm and 21st century technology. Silver Bullet Productions, funded by Microsoft Partners in Learning, included the Fort Sumner high school students in documenting the entrepreneurship of the school run greenhouse and storefront. The story of the Fort Sumner success has served to motivate other rural communities in marrying school, community and corporate support.

Zia Pueblo: Writing and Acting Workshop for 8th Grade Students, November 2007

With the valuable assistance of noted Cherokee actor and director Wes Studi, and his wife and screenwriter Maura Studi, the 8th graders at Zia Pueblo participated in an intense workshop on writing, theme development, screenwriting, acting and directing. The students wrote and acted in a short play under the experienced direction of Wes Studi. Each child received a DVD of the experience.

Cochiti Pueblo Elementary and Middle School: Writing and Acting Workshop for 8th Grade Students, July 2007

Expanding the writing and acting workshop, SBP added a workshop in improvisation. The result was increased comfort and confidence in developing an original screenplay that addressed acceptance and tolerance of other students with different looks or culture. The students worked alongside Wed Studi and a professional cameral crew to develop and complete a DVD of the acted screenplay.

Gallina: GEAR UP New Mexico (two films), July 2007 and follow-up August 2008

As part of the GEAR UP program, a federally funded project in New Mexico, Silver Bullet produced a documentary and taught 7th grade students in Jemez Mountain School District. SBP is following these same students for five years, returning each summer for a teaching/filming program. The program will become increasingly challenging as these students prepare for college. A documentary will follow their progress, as well as their families’ involvement in pursuit of higher education. SBP has provided Coronado Middle and High School camera equipment for student use during the school year.

Milan Elementary: a Community Approach to Truancy (Public Issue Model), April 2007

Absenteeism in elementary school is often a precursor of truancy in middle school, and dropping out of school before high school graduation. Supported by Public Education Department, SBP is created a documentary on “how to” create a successful elementary school climate that will encourage attendance and parent involvement in elementary schools. The model elementary school, Milan, in Grants-Cibola school district has successfully increased both attendance and academic achievement. The film was distributed as part of a statewide program in the summer 2007.

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Santo Domingo School: A School on the Rise, January 2007

SBP was asked by Santo Domingo School to provide a visual support for presentations about this extraordinary school, “A School on the Rise”. Often, data and descriptions fail to “tell the story”. The video allows school officials to tell their story about the passions, sprit, and dedication of this school and community in order to seek additional and sustaining funds, as well as to instruct other schools about its challenges and successes.

View PSA of Wes Studi and Santo Domingo students

Zia Pueblo: Home of the Sun Symbol (Educational Model), November 2006

The Zia Sun Symbol is a source of identity and pride for New Mexico is the Zia Sun Symbol. New Mexico Department of Indian Education requested SBP to create a documentary to explain to children and adults its deep significance and history. This video, to be distributed to each public school, is a vehicle of education about the sun symbol to foster respect and understanding of New Mexican history. The Zia children participated in writing workshops, conducted several interviews, and experimented with cameras. The completed video will become part of New Mexico’s curriculum on New Mexico History, used by public schools.

Home and School: A Partnership (Public Issue Model), July 2006

SBP was contracted by New Mexico’s Public Education Department to promote the importance of parents in children’s educational success. The “face” and “voice” of New Mexico’s parents guides other parents in how the home can foster success in school. Parents of a variety of economic, social, and culture backgrounds participated in the interview process. Each shared his or her “best practice” for education success. DVD is part of the Parent Tool Kit, sponsored by Public Education, distributed to over 600 public schools and PTAs to foster partnerships between home and school for the benefit of children. The DVD is in English and Spanish, with plans for Dine’ translation.

Tatum, New Mexico: Saddles to Satellites (Educational Model), April 2006

Tatum, a participant Rural Revitalization, prepared for the next phase of economic growth. SBP documented the essence of Tatum, led by its Schools. Students participated both in workshops in writing, and with faculty on film technology. Camera equipment remained with the school, thanks to Public Education. The community has a visual tool for attracting business; the students have continued their film work in competition and on projects. Again, each child showed growth in academics, aspirations, and appreciation for community. The completed short film has served as a marketing tool to celebrate Tatum’s vitality and generate economic growth. Subsequently, students have continued their film skills, competing in film competitions and attracting scholarships and programs to the Tatum school.

Jemez Valley: Rural Revitalization (Public Issue Model and Educational Model), May 2005

At the request of New Mexico Rural Education Department, SBP created a short video documenting the initial stage of Rural Revitalization, a statewide economic initiative. The community’s initial about the future of the Jemez Valley community and the role of Jemez Valley School District were filmed. The project included high school workshops in writing, film technology, and documentary production. The students not only improved in each academic area, but also are using their film and writing skills to participate in their community’s revitalization efforts.

Dulce Public Schools: “What is Art in Dulce New Mexico?”, July 2005

The purpose of this project was to raise self-esteem of high-risk students through a successful and relevant academic experience. The short documentary was the culmination of a summer workshop for middle school students on the Jicarilla Apache reservation, attending Dulce Public Schools. The students answered the question, “What is Art in Dulce?” Through workshops, the students developed the theme of their documentary, organized interviews, and then taped their segments. The completed documentary was shown to the school assembly on the last day of the summer program. The project motivated these students to continue in school, improve writing skills, and celebrate their community.