New Documentary “Endless Cookie” Blends Animation, Family History, and Indigenous humor
“Endless Cookie,” a new animated documentary created by brothers Peter and Seth Scriver, offers a uniquely intimate and expansive look at their family history and Native American culture. the film explores their relationship as half-brothers-Peter is Native and Seth is white, both sharing a white father-and incorporates a decade of home movie footage alongside Seth’s distinctive animation style.
The documentary is notable for its blend of serious themes and humor, a characteristic Peter Scriver attributes to his community. “Native people are funny people,” he stated during a recent screening, adding, “It’s the one group of people I’ve found where ther’s hardly anything serious. There always has to be a joke.” This comedic sensibility is reflected in the film’s whimsical visuals, including characters with exaggerated noses added simply for their comedic effect, and even “the occasional fart joke.”
“Endless Cookie” also features a cartoon version of a cookie, animated by Seth Scriver. the film’s impact resonated with family members who grew up alongside its creation. Peter Scriver’s daughter, Simone Scriver, expressed her surprise and approval, saying, “I didn’t think we would get this far…it’s great and I love it.” Cookie Scriver, also in attendance, added, “I thought it was really nice. I just really like seeing a lot of our characters are real. This is a family thing, and with all the Native stories it just warms my heart.”
The film’s unconventional approach and deeply personal narrative position it as a distinctive contribution to both documentary filmmaking and Native American depiction in media.
