Ha txan tsi. An ka li (We come home after)
Overview
"Ha Txan Tsi. An Ka Li (Translated from Osage: We Come Home After)" is a poignant and thought-provoking short documentary film co-produced, written, and directed by Dante Biss-Grayson, an Osage veteran, and the Bawaadan Collective. The film explores the experiences of Native American veterans as they return home after serving in the military and the complex relationships they have with their service and their identity as Indigenous peoples.
Through interviews and personal stories, the film sheds light on the struggles that many of these veterans face, including difficulty in accessing traditional mental health support and the challenge of reconciling their service with the history of atrocities committed against their people. Through the use of Dante Biss-Grayson's powerful poem "The Warriors Paradox," the film explores the concept of the "warrior's paradox" and the complex and often conflicting feelings that arise when Indigenous people serve in the military of a nation that has a history of oppressing and committing violence against them. It encourages viewers to reflect on the ways in which historical trauma and generational trauma continue to impact Native American communities and the importance of honoring traditional ceremonies and mental health support in the healing process. The documentary highlights the significant contributions made by Native Americans to the US military, with a focus on the high rate of voluntary enlistment during World War II and the continued service of Native Americans since 9/11. The film features RC Begay, one of the last Navajo Code Talkers, and pays tribute to him and his family for their support in the completion of this piece. Overall, "Ha Txan Tsi. An Ka Li (We Come Home After)" is a powerful and emotional exploration of the experiences of Native American veterans and their journey to find healing and reconciliation. The film reminds us of the sacrifices that Native Americans have given to military service and emphasizes the importance of never forgetting past atrocities and embracing traditions and ceremonies. |
Director Biography - Dante Biss-Grayson, Bawaadan Collective
Dante Biss-Grayson is a Native American from the Osage Nation and Veteran of the US Air Force. He is a multifaceted artist, writer, film producer, and fashion designer hailing from the Osage community. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of Native American art and fashion, Dante constantly explores new directions in his creative pursuits. His artistic journey encompasses various mediums, including painting, holographic sculpture, poetry, and fashion design, as he endeavors to express his thoughts and emotions through diverse platforms. He is the Founder & Fashion Designer of the Sky-Eagle Collection, a leading Indigenous and Veteran Owned Fashion House. With multiple clothing brands, media consulting, and show production, the brand has become an entrapernural success. As a veteran who has personally grappled with PTSD, Dante has discovered solace and purpose in his artistic endeavors. Drawing from his studies at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Holland and IAIA in Santa Fe, N.M, as well as his apprenticeship under the guidance of his adopted father, Earl Biss, Dante has honed his classical techniques and seamlessly integrated them into his contemporary works. Through his art, Dante externalizes his trauma and draws attention to important issues impacting Native communities, using his creative voice as a catalyst for inspiration and raising awareness. Driven by his belief in the power of fashion to empower and inspire, Dante has always been captivated by the world of clothing design. He sees fashion as a symbol of empowerment and utility, offering a platform to shed light on crucial issues affecting Indian Country. Through his Native American and Veteran-owned fashion brand, the Sky-Eagle Collection, Dante seeks to inspire a new generation of modern warriors who navigate the complexities of the modern world. The collection's contemporary designs serve as a bold statement, drawing attention to overlooked matters and elevating the voices of Native communities. With a resounding message of resilience and strength, Dante's work declares, "We are Still Here!" In addition to his diverse artistic pursuits, Dante Biss-Grayson has made a profound impact as a co-producer, writer, and director of the transformative film project, "We Come Home After." This poignant short documentary explores the experiences of Native American veterans as they return home from military service, delving into their complex identities and the challenges they face. Through heartfelt interviews, personal stories, and the inclusion of Dante's powerful poem, "The Warriors Paradox," the film offers an emotional and thought-provoking exploration of healing, reconciliation, and the sacrifices made by Native American veterans. Through this transformative project, Dante continues to shed light on important issues and ignite dialogue surrounding historical trauma, identity, and the enduring strength of Indigenous communities. |
Director Statement
Director's Statement: Dante Biss-Grayson
"As a director, my vision has always been to use art and storytelling as a means of bringing forth important narratives and elevating the voices of marginalized communities. Through my work, I strive to challenge conventional perspectives and shed light on the complexities of identity, trauma, and healing, particularly within the Native American context.
Coming from an Osage background and as a veteran who has grappled with PTSD, I am intimately aware of the profound impact that personal experiences can have on one's artistic expression. My journey as an artist, writer, and fashion designer has been shaped by the deep desire to externalize my own trauma and bring attention to the pressing issues affecting Native communities.
In my exploration of various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, poetry, and fashion design, I have sought to push the boundaries and defy expectations. By blending classical techniques with contemporary vision, I aim to create works that resonate with authenticity and reflect the nuanced experiences of Native people.
Through the medium of film, I have found a powerful platform to convey stories that often go unheard. In my documentary project, 'We Come Home,' co-produced, written, and directed alongside the talented team at Bawaadan Collective, I delve into the experiences of Native American veterans as they navigate the complex terrain of returning home after military service. This film is a culmination of my artistic journey and personal understanding of the struggles faced by Indigenous individuals, as well as the importance of traditional healing practices and mental health support in the process of reconciliation.
Through intimate interviews, personal narratives, and the inclusion of my evocative poem, 'The Warriors Paradox,' I aim to provoke deep reflection and create a space for dialogue on the conflicting emotions experienced by Native people who serve in a military with a history of oppression against their own communities. I want to challenge viewers to confront the historical and generational trauma that continues to impact Native American lives and to embrace the power of tradition and ceremony as integral parts of the healing process.
My hope is that through my work as a director, I can inspire others to examine their own perspectives, foster empathy, and contribute to a society that values and respects the diverse experiences of Indigenous peoples. I am committed to using my artistry to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced and to spark conversations that lead to positive change and healing.
Director Statement Download Images Website Instagram In every project I undertake, whether it is through film, painting, sculpture, poetry, or fashion design, I strive to bring attention to the resilience, strength, and enduring presence of Native communities. My journey as a director is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to honor the sacrifices made by Native American veterans and to contribute to a world that embraces inclusivity, justice, and understanding.
Through my creative endeavors, I hope to inspire others to recognize the power of art as a tool for social change and to join me in the journey of embracing our shared humanity."
Dante Biss-Grayson
Director's Statement: Dante Biss-Grayson
"As a director, my vision has always been to use art and storytelling as a means of bringing forth important narratives and elevating the voices of marginalized communities. Through my work, I strive to challenge conventional perspectives and shed light on the complexities of identity, trauma, and healing, particularly within the Native American context.
Coming from an Osage background and as a veteran who has grappled with PTSD, I am intimately aware of the profound impact that personal experiences can have on one's artistic expression. My journey as an artist, writer, and fashion designer has been shaped by the deep desire to externalize my own trauma and bring attention to the pressing issues affecting Native communities.
In my exploration of various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, poetry, and fashion design, I have sought to push the boundaries and defy expectations. By blending classical techniques with contemporary vision, I aim to create works that resonate with authenticity and reflect the nuanced experiences of Native people.
Through the medium of film, I have found a powerful platform to convey stories that often go unheard. In my documentary project, 'We Come Home,' co-produced, written, and directed alongside the talented team at Bawaadan Collective, I delve into the experiences of Native American veterans as they navigate the complex terrain of returning home after military service. This film is a culmination of my artistic journey and personal understanding of the struggles faced by Indigenous individuals, as well as the importance of traditional healing practices and mental health support in the process of reconciliation.
Through intimate interviews, personal narratives, and the inclusion of my evocative poem, 'The Warriors Paradox,' I aim to provoke deep reflection and create a space for dialogue on the conflicting emotions experienced by Native people who serve in a military with a history of oppression against their own communities. I want to challenge viewers to confront the historical and generational trauma that continues to impact Native American lives and to embrace the power of tradition and ceremony as integral parts of the healing process.
My hope is that through my work as a director, I can inspire others to examine their own perspectives, foster empathy, and contribute to a society that values and respects the diverse experiences of Indigenous peoples. I am committed to using my artistry to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced and to spark conversations that lead to positive change and healing.
Director Statement Download Images Website Instagram In every project I undertake, whether it is through film, painting, sculpture, poetry, or fashion design, I strive to bring attention to the resilience, strength, and enduring presence of Native communities. My journey as a director is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to honor the sacrifices made by Native American veterans and to contribute to a world that embraces inclusivity, justice, and understanding.
Through my creative endeavors, I hope to inspire others to recognize the power of art as a tool for social change and to join me in the journey of embracing our shared humanity."
Dante Biss-Grayson
Still Photos
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