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Sterlin Harjo on Mekko and finding the light in the dark

Filmmaker Sterlin Harjo discuss his film about a man released from prison and drawn into the harsh streets of Oklahoma.

Filmmaker Sterlin Harjo joins Shad to discuss Mekko, his film about a man released from prison and drawn into the harsh but lively streets of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The dark thriller opened this year's ImagineNATIVE Film Festival.

Harjo says it was important for him to find the humour in the gritty subject matter. Yes, there's mental illness, addiction and disfunction, he says, but "I also wanted to capture the beauty of it." 

The filmmaker also comments on the discomfort non-indigenous audiences feel when they see the light side of the dark. 

Mekko tells the story of a native homeless community in Oklahoma, ravaged by prejudice, substance abuse and a violent predator. (Sterlin Harjo)
Mekko just opened the ImagineNATIVE film festival in Toronto. (Sterlin Harjo)
Sterlin Harjo joins Shad to discuss his new film, Mekko. (Sterlin Harjo)

WEB EXTRA | Watch the trailer for Mekko below.