War Pony

Filmed in Pine Ridge, War Pony tells the interlocking stories of two young Oglala Lakota men grappling with a world built against them as they navigate their unique paths to manhood. This film stars many young first-time actors from Pine Ridge and relies on Indigenous voices, as actors, producers and writers, to guide the plot. This panel, featuring local actors and producers alongside casting directors, will cover the unique opportunities of production in Oglala Makoche.

Ladainian is one of two lead actors in the film War Pony, which won the Camera d’Or at Cannes 2022. His first time ever acting has been called a “star-is-born” performance by Indiewire, and applauded by other major publications. Ladainian lives in Thunder Valley on Pine Ridge Reservation.

LaDainian Crazy Thunder

JOJO Bapteise Whiting

Jojo Bapteise Whiting is one of two lead actors in the film War Pony, which won the Camera d’Or at Cannes 2022. His first time ever acting has been called a “star-is-born” performance by Indiewire, and applauded by other major publications including the New York Times and Hollywood Reporter. Jojo is from Rosebud Reservation, and was recently honored by his tribe for his performance and hard work on the film. Jojo is a proud father of a beautiful girl, Jazzy.

Ta-Yamni Long Black Cat

Ta-Yamni’s first time acting was in the film War Pony, which won the Camera d’Or at Cannes 2022. He is also a principal actor in Lisandro Alonso’s Eureka which premiered at Cannes 2023. He is passionate about horses, horse racing, and movies, and was selected to be a member of OutLast Summer film Intensive, supporting indigenous futures in filmmaking. He is from Pine Ridge and would describe himself as “...a cowboy, athlete, chill, funny and cool.”

Woodrow Lone Elk

Woody’s first time acting was in the film War Pony, which won the Camera d’Or at Cannes 2022. He was discovered at the age of 12 and was integral in early stages of the War Pony filmmaking process. He loved traveling overseas to the South of France, and was very interested in learning the custom and culture from local people and the international community. He brings that curiosity and enthusiastic energy to his acting work on set and to his interactions with friends and family from his home in Pine Ridge. He enjoys playing basketball and skateboards in his free time.

Jeremy Cottier

Jeremy’s first time acting was in the film War Pony, which won the Camera d’Or at Cannes 2022. Although soft spoken he is very adept at his academic studies and has a big heart. He is a big brother to many little siblings who look up to him and are proud of his work on the movie. His mom is very proud of him too. He is a skilled and competitive gamer. He is from Pine Ridge.

Jessica Poor Bear

Jessica Poor Bear (Pehin Kisun Win)’s (Oglala Lakota) acting debut was in the film War Pony, which won the Camera d’Or at Cannes 2022. She also features in NB23’s Deep Inside music video 2021. She was born and raised by her Grandmother Wilma Colhoff who also appeared in the film War Pony. Although the film industry is her passion, she is currently working towards her BS in Information Technology and is motivated by a strong work ethic in her jobs and school.

Manuel Garcia

Manuel's first time acting was in the film War Pony, which won the Camera d’Or at Cannes 2022. He was discovered at the age of 22. He loved traveling overseas to the South of France and learning from the international community. He brings a calm energy to his acting work on set and to his interactions with friends and family from his home in Pine Ridge. He enjoys fishing, playing video games and camping in his free time.

Anjeliq Aurora

Anjeliq’s first time acting was in the film War Pony, which won the Camera d’Or at Cannes 2022. She was discovered at the age of 17. Anjeliq was raised mostly in Pine Ridge, SD. She is a mother, actress, student, model and teacher. In between guiding her younger siblings and her passion of working with children, she remains eager to learn more and to further her career in acting. She is a positive role model who strives to be a good relative.

Willi White

Willi White is a tribal citizen of the Oglala Sioux Tribe located in South Dakota and is Executive Producer and Head of Content & Production for NDN Collective. Prior to producing his first feature WAR PONY, Willi started out producing and directing music videos for local Indigenous artists before working crew on titles as WINTER IN THE BLOOD (2013), directed by Alex & Andrew Smith, starring Chaske Spencer and David Morse; AMERICAN HONEY (2016), directed by Andrea Arnold; and WOMAN WALKS AHEAD (2017), released by A24, directed by Susanna White, starring Jessica Chastain and Michael Greyeyes. In 2016, Willi was awarded a fellowship with Sundance Institute’s Native and Indigenous program, then in 2019 was awarded the inaugural Ascend Summit Grant with ARRAY Alliance, founded by Ava DuVernay. Willi also served as associate producer on LAKOTA NATION v. UNITED STATES (2022), released by IFC Films, co-directed by Jesse Short Bull and Laura Tomaselli, executive produced by Mark Ruffalo and Sara Eagle Heart, which premiered at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival. Currently, Willi is producing a documentary series on the American Indian Movement.

Abby Harri

Abby Harri is a casting director, director, non-actor acting coach, and casting scout. She specializes in non-traditional casting and finding new talent on films such as Jane Schoenbrun's We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (Sundance 2021), Anna Cobb's feature debut; Savanah Leaf's Earth Mama (A24, Sundance 2023) with newcomer Tia Nomore; Riley Keough and Gina Gammell's War Pony (Cannes Camera d'Or, 2022); the Safdie Brothers’ Uncut Gems; Seasons 1 and 2 of HBO’s Euphoria; Jane Schoenbrun's two upcoming features I Saw the TV Glow (post-production, A24) and Nevada (pre-production, Tango); Pulitzer-Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker's upcoming feature film debut (produced by Academy-Award-winner Dan Janvey, BBC Films, and A24); and Zia Anger's feature film debut (post-production, MUBI) based on her critically acclaimed performance My First Film. She is currently casting Lotfy Nathan's Son alongside casting partner Eleonore Hendricks.

Eléonore Hendricks

Eléonore Hendricks is an actor, photographer and casting director/scout from New York City. She is known for non-traditional or “street casting” - notably with Chloe Zhao’s first feature, Songs My Brothers Taught Me, Tim Sutton’s Memphis and Dark Night, Andrea Arnold’s American Honey and Seasons 1 and 2 of HBO’s Euphoria. She was an acting coach for the first time actors on Beasts of the Southern Wild. She has worked in collaboration with the Safdie Brothers for over a decade on their films: Pleasure of Being Robbed, Daddy Longlegs, The Black Balloon, Heaven Knows What, Good Time and Uncut Gems. She returned for a third time to the Pine Ridge Reservation in SD to do casting, partnering with Abby Harri on War Pony by Gina Gammell and Riley Keough - cast entirely with Lakota community members - as well as for a fourth time for Eureka by Argentinian director Lisandro Alonso, which premiered at Cannes in 2023. She and Abby were also casting directors on Pulitzer prize winning playwright Annie Baker’s feature film debut together, and they are currently casting Lotfy Nathan's Son.