Chickasaw Nation film judged best at Oklahoma film festival

DUNCAN, Okla. (AP) – The Chickasaw Nation’s first film of the Chickasaw Heritage Series has been named best short documentary at the Trail Dance Film Festival in Duncan.

“First Encounter” chronicles the Chickasaws’ introduction to European explorers in 1540, the tense relationship between the tribe and conquistador Hernando de Soto’s expedition and the fiery battle between them that virtually ended de Soto’s mission.

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby says it’s important to note that the documentary tells the story from the Chickasaw Nation’s point of view.

The Trail Dance Film Festival is a globally-recognized, annual premiere film event that was held last month. It began in 2006 to showcase Oklahoma as a major filming destination and to spotlight Oklahomans in the movie industry. It has since been transformed into a national and international competition.