Sundance Institute’s Directors Lab Celebrates 45 Years as Sterlin Harjo Credits Program with launching His career
TULSA, OKLAHOMA – Sterlin Harjo, acclaimed filmmaker and creator of the groundbreaking series Reservation Dogs, attributes a pivotal moment in his career to the Sundance Institute’s Directors lab, where he participated in 2004. Reflecting on the program’s 45th anniversary,Harjo recalls how an early connection with N. Bird Runningwater, then Director of Sundance’s Native American and Indigenous program, ignited his confidence and set him on a path to success.
Harjo first encountered Runningwater during a college visit, boldly introducing himself and expressing his ambition to become a filmmaker. “I told him that I wanted to make films,” Harjo remembers, “And he said, ‘Cool, let’s do that!'” He describes the encouragement as feeling like someone saying, “Let’s make your dream come true,” instilling in him the resolve to pursue filmmaking.
That initial interaction led to Harjo’s immersion in the Sundance Institute Directors Lab, where he began developing his directorial debut, Four Sheets to the Wind. The drama,following Cufe Smallhill (Cody Lightning) as he navigates family and loss after his father’s suicide,premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and earned Tamara Podemski a Special Jury Prize for Acting. The film garnered critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of contemporary Native American life.
Harjo’s work as Four Sheets to the Wind - including Barking water (2009), This might potentially be the Last Time (2014), and Reservation Dogs (created with Taika Waititi) – consistently reflects his strong cultural ties and Indigenous perspective.
“As someone coming from rural Oklahoma, becoming a filmmaker seemed so far away,” Harjo said, adding that the Sundance lab demonstrated that access was possible.”There was access and proximity that I didn’t have, but I learned that if I wanted to [make films] I could do it – and I was no different from other amazing filmmakers.”
harjo has since given back to the Sundance community, serving as a Native Filmmakers Lab creative advisor and a Sundance Film Festival Short Film competition juror. He credits the Institute with providing not only crucial early support but also a lasting network and guidance as he navigates the entertainment industry.
