On Sacred Ground

2023
TV-14
1h 26m

IMDb RATING

5.5/10

341

YOUR RATING

Marshall Dancing Elk Lucas in On Sacred Ground (2023)

A journalist and oil company executive find themselves on opposite sides of the fight during the construction of the contentious Dakota Access Pipeline that runs through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

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2 Videos

24 Photos

Drama

A journalist and oil company executive find themselves on opposite sides of the fight during the construction of the contentious Dakota Access Pipeline that runs through the Standing Rock In... Read allA journalist and oil company executive find themselves on opposite sides of the fight during the construction of the contentious Dakota Access Pipeline that runs through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.A journalist and oil company executive find themselves on opposite sides of the fight during the construction of the contentious Dakota Access Pipeline that runs through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

5.5/10

341

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 4 wins & 2 nominations

Goofs
The movie shows that radiocarbon dating is performed on an arrowhead (made of stone) and indicates the arrowhead to be 1500 years old. Radiocarbon dating can only be used on materials that were once alive, i.e., animal or plant.

User reviews9

Review

Featured review

9/10

A story about compromise

Josh and Rebecca TIckell's "On Sacred Ground" is a captivating narrative take on the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline events. The story follows Dan (William Mapother) an ex-military journalist who has now began a life of freelance journalism to financially support his pregnant wife. He is faced with a choice, after receiving a mysterious call, heeding him to travel to North Dakota and write a story about the DAPL in a positive light for a handsome reward. He must choose between compromising his morality or acting on what he believes is right.

"On Sacred on Ground" offers audiences a story full of relevant commentary on matters of mental health and injustice against First Nations. The Tickells powerfully tackle themes of PTSD and police brutality against the Sioux by showing Dan experiencing episodes as he sees the First Nations being attacked as they stand up for their territory. As a viewer, I experienced the film in a very visceral way that shook me in a way that felt expansive. The film's stunning cinematography further immersed me into the story, setting a tone for the film that communicated the protagonist's troubled state of mind.

This is a film on one of humanity's greatest challenges; remaining true to who we are or compromising our humanity for perceived benefit.