“Bad Indian” profiles the Tadytin Family and its history with the federal boarding schools. The documentary uncovers the countless atrocities against Indigenous populations that have remained buried by the passage of time.
“My family and I are honored to have ‘Bad Indian’ premiere at the Phoenix Festival,” said Logan Tsinigine, chief financial officer of Taadidiin Tours. “To be able to share my great-great-grandfather’s story, and uncover the absolute horrors his family faced in that time, and how we got to where we are today, it’s time the world knew.”
Tsinigine’s great-great-grandfather, Hastiin Tadidinii (known as the Corn Pollen Man), was an early victim of the boarding school system. Still, his story is not yet part of the federal investigation on Native American boarding schools. The documentary traces back to the 1800s and explores Tadidinii’s struggles with the federal government, including his murder as the federal government forcibly transported his children to a federally funded boarding school.
“Bad Indian” was directed by Joe Raffa, a frequent collaborator of production company Point in Time Studios. He is best known for his projects “Downeast” starring Greg Finley and Kirk Fox, and “Dark Harbor” starring Joel McHale.
“Through the compelling lens of the Tadytin Family, ‘Bad Indian’ courageously exposes the harrowing legacy of federal boarding schools, shedding light on the unspoken horrors endured by Indigenous communities,” said Raffa. “I’m honored to have been a part of this poignant documentary that unveils a powerful narrative of resilience and unearths the painful truths hidden beneath the weight of history.”
“Bad Indian” was produced and edited by Point in Time Studios, produced by Kellina Templeton, shot by Edwin Pendleton Stevens of The Defiant Ones, Downeast, and edited by Eric Leutzinger. Raffa is represented by Zero Gravity Management.
