A Historical Film about Seneca Culture to be made at the Tonawanda Indian Reservation

Bury My Heart With Tonawanda, a film written by a man who has autism about the kindness of the Seneca Nation towards a person with a developmental disability, is planned for Spring of 2012.

The film will be directed by Gary Sundown, a Seneca Indian from the Tonawanda Reservation and will include many actors and extras from the Seneca Nation.

Adrian Esposito, writer, producer and editor of Bury My Heart With Tonawanda, was inspired to write the script after visiting Ganondagan Historic State Park in Victor, NY. He asked a native tour guide how the early Senecas would have treated people with developmental disabilities.  She told him that they would not have been shunned, instead they would be treated as gifted.  She told him "that is why our corn husk dolls have no face--to show that all people are equal."

From this encounter came the story of John, a young man with Down syndrome who finds acceptance with the Seneca Nation in the late 1800s.  The story tells us about the culture and beliefs of the Seneca Nation and also about their views about people with disabilities. It is a story that enlightens us about the positive effects of love and respect and challenges our historical stereotypes about Native Americans.

For more information, go to http://www.indiegogo.com/Bury-My-Heart-With-Tonawanda and http://espocinema.wordpress.com/