Q'ORIANKA
KILCHER
GIL
BIRMINGHAM
BRIGID
BRANNAGH
MACKENZIE
ASTIN
AND GRAHAM
GREENE
BASED ON A TRUE STORY
A CHICKASAW NATION PRODUCTION
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Chickasaw Nation Productions

About Te Ata


Te Ata the Movie

Te Ata (TAY’ AH-TAH) is based on the inspiring, true story of Mary Thompson Fisher, a woman who traversed cultural barriers to become one of the greatest First American performers of all time. Born in Indian Territory, and raised on the songs and stories of her Chickasaw culture, Te Ata’s journey to find her true calling led her through isolation, discovery, love and a stage career that culminated in performances for a United States president, European royalty and audiences across the world.  Yet, of all the stories she shared, none are more inspiring than her own.

 

Te Ata has been approved by The Dove Foundation for family viewing.

Mary Thompson Fisher

Mary Thompson Fisher was born Dec. 3, 1895, near Emet, Oklahoma. Mary later took the stage name and became well known as “Te Ata” which means “Bearer of the Morning.” A citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, Te Ata was an accomplished actor and teller of First American stories.

During the prime of her more than 60-year career, she performed in England and Scandinavia, at the White House for President Franklin Roosevelt, for the King and Queen of Great Britain, and on stages across the United States...

The Chickasaw Nation

Today, the Chickasaw Nation is economically strong, culturally vibrant and full of energetic people dedicated to the preservation of family, community and heritage. The tribe has been under the leadership of Governor Bill Anoatubby since he was elected to his first term in 1987.

Cast


"It's a  fantastic story that everyone should see! It's so inspirational and uplifting."

Brad Henry, 26th Governor of Oklahoma

"I just absolutely loved Te Ata! I loved the story. I loved the values and the character that are presented throughout the movie."

Kim Henry, Executive Director of the Sarkeys Foundation & Former First Lady of Oklahoma

"It's a story that I think most people don't know about, and they need to know about. I loved it!"

Cathy Keating, Author & Former First Lady of Oklahoma

"It was a powerful story!"

Martin Sensmeier, Actor, The Magnificent Seven, Wind River & The Chickasaw Rancher

"It was a phenomenal film! It really showed family. In this day and age we need more films that focus on family, family struggles."

Denim Richards, Actor, Yellowstone & The Chickasaw Rancher

"The film was  wonderful...I was touched, moved!"

Tom Cole, U.S. Representative

"I really enjoyed the movie! It was really well done...Anytime I can see something that's true and inspiring, that talks about character and courage, I enjoy that."

Todd Thomsen, Oklahoma Representative

"I absolutely loved the film! I thought it was compelling."

Shannon Rich, President & CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame

"Te Ata is one of many Hidden Figures in the Native American culture"

Anita Busch, Deadline

". . . the movie’s driving force is its mythic performance scenes, which are choreographed, sung and acted with clear, balletic conviction by the film’s star, Q’orianka Kilcher."

Teo Bugbee, New York Times

"A proud, talented American Indian woman that would not let the world put her in a box or silence her voice."

Cynthia Flores, Selig News

"Te Ata is the kind of story young women of today need to see, hear, and experience."

Don Shanahan, Every Movie Has a Lesson (Blog)

"The film is powerful and moving..."

Matt Mungle, The Mungle Show (Blog)

"Good for the whole family"

Dallas Movie Screenings (Blog)

"It will definitely inspire you...."

Lavanya, Red Carpet Crash (Blog)

"Te Ata serves as a fitting tribute to a trailblazing woman who embodied the power of sharing stories."

Brandy McDonnell, The Oklahoman

"Te Ata’s story might be new to many audiences, but the tale is timeless."

Jeremy Martin, The Oklahoma Gazette

Crew


Ofi' Tohbi' (White Dog)

Chickasaw storytellers tell of a large, beautiful ofi' tohbi' (white dog) that protected the Chickasaw people during our migration from the “land of the setting sun” to our historic homeland in present-day Mississippi.

Today, ofi' tohbi' remains a symbol of strength and courage and reminds us of the importance of loyalty and friendship.