Idaho-born film producer finishes free November screenings
After nearly a month of streaming free previously released films over the Internet, film director and producer Travis Holt Hamilton is now seeking actors and actresses to appear in an upcoming Native American-theme movie.
Hamilton is a film director and producer, and most of his films have been shot around the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
“This is my way of giving back to the community,” Hamilton said about the streaming during a recent appearance and talk at the Octavia Fellin Library in downtown Gallup.
Of the film that he’s currently in production with, we are looking for a few actors for a Christian-based short film that will be shooting on the (Navajo Nation) on Dec. 1 and 2,” Hamilton said. “Some of the parts for the actors are paid parts.”
Hamilton, a veteran who served in the U.S. Army, gave the following character breakdown on the new film:
• Herbert Tsosie: 70’s. A Navajo grandfather with deep tan wrinkles and full of wisdom; long graying hair tied in a traditional bun. Should speak Navajo.
• Dr. Benally: 30’s. Navajo male with short hair and dark rimmed glasses; very studious.
• Navajo Child: Aged 9 to 14 years old. Long or short hair; full of curiosity; should be able to hoop dance and have hoop dance regalia.
• Male Drummer: 20’s. Should be able to sing traditional Navajo songs.
• Navajo Mother: 40’s. Long hair. Should be able to speak Navajo.
“A lot of extras will be needed for montage scenes and a big social dance event,” Hamilton said about the film. “All ages and both Native and non-Native are needed.”
Hamilton burst on the area film scene in 2007 with Turquoise Rose which introduced movie-goers to the Navajo-born Natasha Johnson of Twin Lakes to the Native American film industry. He went on to make such films as Blue Gap Boy’z (2008) and Pete & Cleo (2010). Hamilton, who has lived in Shiprock and Kayenta, Ariz., on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, now resides in Mesa, Ariz.
The Idaho-born Hamilton was at the Octavia Fellin Library on Nov. 9 to discuss the 2015 film Legends From the Sky. More than 30 people showed up at Fellin for that event, Library Director Mary Ellen Pellington said.
“It was one of the larger turnouts we’ve had this year,” Pellington said of the Legends From the Sky discussion session. “It was a very good turnout.”
November is Native American Heritage Month which honors the contributions of native peoples around the world.
Folks around greater McKinley County are familiar with Hamilton’s films.
“I’ve seen all of his films and I can tell you that they are very popular around here,” Jonathan Peters of St. Michaels, Ariz., said. “I think everybody around the Navajo nation has seen his films.”
If interested in trying out for the Christian film, please contact Pyn Francisco at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent
