Fancy Dance Director Discusses Collaboration with Lily Gladstone
Lily Gladstone stars in Erica Tremblay’s film “Fancy Dance” as Jax, a woman caring for her 13-year-old niece, Roki, amidst her sister’s disappearance. The story sheds light on the indifference towards violence against Native women, set against the backdrop of the Seneca-Cayuga reservation in Oklahoma.
The film emphasizes the importance of community within Native culture, contrasting the lack of understanding Roki faces with her white grandparents to her connection with her aunt, Jax. As the plot unfolds, Jax takes matters into her own hands to track down her missing sister, Tawi.
Lily Gladstone, a Native American with Piegan Blackfeet and Nez Perce heritage, shines in her role as Jax. Tremblay, the filmmaker, explains that she wrote the script with Lily in mind after their previous collaboration in a short film. Tremblay was impressed by Lily’s ability to embody characters with grace and talent, making her the perfect fit for Jax.
In a small but intentional aspect of the film, Jax is portrayed as a queer woman, highlighting LGBTQ+ representation within Native communities. Tremblay, drawing from her own experiences as a former sex worker, wanted to present authentic portrayals of sex workers and queer individuals on screen.
“Fancy Dance” addresses the challenges faced by Native women but ultimately showcases resilience and love within the community. Tremblay stresses the importance of Native storytellers sharing nuanced stories that go beyond trauma. The core of the film revolves around the human experience and the bond between Jax and Roki, navigating difficult circumstances with humanity and love.
