About Us
Studio of the Americas
The Voice of Native Americans
Mission Statement
To provide a platform for The First Peoples of this land to tell their own stories, and to provide a home for native film artists to develop their creativity in all genres.
Studio of the Americas provides the means and the opportunity for the First Peoples of this land to tell their own stories.
Motion pictures play a key role in framing people’s awareness of culture and history. SOTA develops entertainment that highlights the stories of the First Peoples who inhabited the Americas, from the Bering Sea to Tierra del Fuego. SOTA provides the opportunity by bringing these stories to life, producing entertainment properties for worldwide distribution. The movies are dramatic, funny, suspenseful, and informative. SOTA entertainment produces all genres, but with the caveat that our stories are about, created or performed by Native Americans.
The culture, history, challenges, accomplishments, and present day awakening of the spirit of the people who settled the American continents, is held in fascination by a global audience.
Whether identified as Indian or Native American or First Nation or First Peoples or by their numerous tribal names, the original protectors of this great land are universally known for their wisdom and respect for the natural world.
"In this era of globalism, environmental degradation, and international competition, the world outlook of the First Peoples serves as a guiding philosophy for all cultures on all continents. The quiet understanding of man’s place amid the fauna and flora, the rock and water, of our planet, by the original souls of the Americas who learned to live and honor the gifts nature provides, is the paradigm for the conscience of humankind. It is the original culture of sustainability." -Robert C. Wilson is CEO and Co-Founder of SOTA.
Mission Statement
A Coffee Conversation With Our
Native American Affairs Advisor
By Camille Chippewa
Clifton Chippewa
Chairman & Co-Founder
What inspired the founding of this Native American film studio?
Clifton:
This studio was born out of personal experiences —both the kind I witnessed growing up and the kind I endured myself. Watching my father face slurs because of his brown skin and navigating my own struggles with identity left me grappling with a self-hatred that erased the pride I once had in my culture. As a kid, I’d never want to play the "Indian" in games because that role carried so much stigma.
Through my creative journey, I found healing and rediscovered my connection to my culture. That journey showed me the power of storytelling—it’s not just about entertainment; it’s about reclaiming who we are. This studio exists in part to correct the narrative woven into Native American history by giving Indigenous voices a platform to tell their truths authentically. This studio also exists to provide a palette for any filmmaker of any nationality to fulfill his or her vision, and in the process, avail themselves of the Below the Line talent SOTA offers. Storytelling is medicine, and through it, we aim to heal, inspire, and empower our communities.
How does the studio work to amplify the distinct voices and stories of North America’s tribal nations in its productions?
Clifton:
SOTA has a wide and diverse array of 13 movie and streaming projects that run the gamut of genres. Beyond that, amplifying Indigenous voices starts with seeking them out. We work closely with tribal nations across North America to find both new and established talent, offering them the support and tools needed to share their stories.
In what ways does the studio ensure authentic representation of Native American cultures both on-screen and within its creative teams?
Clifton:
Cultural authenticity is non-negotiable, whether Native or non-Native. SOTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we aim to hire Native talent at all levels, from actors to directors to writers and crew. Our process includes deep collaboration with tribal nations to accurately represent their voices and stories. Beyond hiring, we invest in nurturing that talent—providing mentorship, training, and opportunities to excel in every aspect of filmmaking. This ensures that our stories are told with integrity and respect, by the people who live them.
How does the studio’s planned film school aim to support emerging Indigenous talent and foster the next generation of storytellers?
Clifton:
The Native American Film School is designed to be a Launchpad for Indigenous talent. It will provide education, mentorship, and hands-on training in every filmmaking discipline. By focusing on skill development and career advancement, we’re creating pathways for emerging storytellers to turn their passions into thriving careers. Our goal is to foster a new generation of Native filmmakers who will continue to shape the industry and redefine what it means to tell authentic Native stories.
What are the studio’s long-term objectives for transforming the film industry’s portrayal of Native American communities and promoting lasting change?
Clifton:
Our long-term vision is to build a legacy for Native cinema—a space where generations of Indigenous creators can thrive. We aim to provide consistent opportunities for employment, education, and growth while creating films that challenge stereotypes and celebrate the richness of Native cultures. By cultivating this safe haven for Native storytellers, we hope to transform the way the industry views and portrays Native American communities, ensuring that our voices are not just heard but celebrated on a global scale.