The Ride

The Annual Chief Big Foot Memorial Ride

After Custer's defeat at Little Big Horn and Chief Sitting Bull's subsequent surrender and execution, the Lakota Sioux set out on a 300-mile walk through South Dakota. Pursued by the Seventh Cavalry, they ended up at Wounded Knee where 350 Lakota were massacred, on December 28, 1890. Since 1986, young Lakota have retraced this 300-mile route on horseback as part of an annual tradition known as the Chief Big Foot Memorial Ride. In this intimate documentary, we accompany the riders - many of whom had ancestors at Wounded Knee - on this important journey.

Amid the stunningly photographed Badlands, the documentary captures the interactions between the young riders and the adult Lakota supervising the trek. The elders share their wisdom and knowledge, and reflect on their culture's history and traditions. For young riders, it's a transformational experience, as they open up about their fears and emotions and thoughts about the future.

Official Selection at the Tribeca Film Festival.

"Stunningly crafted cinematography. This is a ride definitely worth going on." - Artswire Weekly