Te Ata (2017)

In the dawn of the 20th century, nestled in the soon-to-be state of Oklahoma, a young girl named Mary Frances Thompson, hailing from a unique blend of Chickasaw and German ancestry, grows up in the heart of the Chickasaw Nation. Enraptured by the rich tapestry of Chickasaw lore spun by her father, Thomas, Mary Frances nurtures an enduring fascination for her tribe's heritage. However, the looming shadow of assimilation threatens their way of life, despite the tireless efforts of Chickasaw Governor Douglas Johnston to preserve their culture. Encouraged by her father to pursue higher education, Mary Frances envisions a different path for herself - one that intertwines her love for her heritage and her newfound passion for performance fostered by Miss Davis, her professor at the Oklahoma College for Women. As Mary Frances steps into the world of acting, her Chickasaw roots pose challenges that she must navigate. Yet, her captivating dramatization of native stories gradually wins over even the staunchest skeptics. Transcending the stage with her bold performances, Mary Frances adopts the stage name Te Ata, a Maori term meaning 'breaking of the dawn,' bestowed upon her in her childhood by an elder of her tribe. Her journey takes her from the humble classrooms of Oklahoma to the illustrious stages of Broadway, all the while grappling with her dual identity - a Chickasaw storyteller and an aspiring actress longing for color-blind acceptance. Te Ata's remarkable journey, based on the true story of Mary Thompson Fisher, shatters cultural barriers, leading her to perform for a US president, European royalty, and global audiences. Yet, in the grandeur of her success, the most inspiring tale she shares is her own - a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of one's true calling. A tale of a woman who became an emblem of her tribe and one of the greatest Native American performers of all time.

Te Ata is a drama movie featuring Q'orianka Kilcher and directed by Nathan Frankowski.

Te Ata is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Plex and Plex Player.

It is also possible to buy Te Ata on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now and YouTube.