River Road, MACRO and REI Co-op Studios join in producing Billy Luther film “Frybread Face and Me,” executive produced by Taika Waititi

Three film producers working to bring progressive themes and diverse characters to the big screen, MACRO, River Road, and REI Co-op Studios, have joined Chad Burris’s Indion Entertainment production “Frybread Face and Me,” which recently wrapped shooting in New Mexico.

Written and directed by Billy Luther, a graduate of the 2020 Sundance Institute Directors and Screenwriters Labs, “Frybread Face and Me” tells a semi-autobiographical story of Benny Lovell (Keir Tallman), a 12-year-old Native American boy growing up in the city who spends the summer at his Grandma Lorraine’s (Sarah H. Natani) sheep ranch on the reservation in Arizona. In this coming-of-age film, Benny adapts to farm life with the help of his Aunt Ann (MorningStar Angeline), Uncle Marvin (Martin Sensmeier), and cousin Fry (Charley Hogan) as they teach him to use and appreciate the skills of his native roots.

“We cannot measure our gratitude for the support and encouragement the film has received from our partners,” said Chad Burris, “Frybread Face and Me” producer and founder of the Indion Group. “Equally immeasurable is the value these dynamic partners bring collectively through their commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices and perspectives. Their shared enthusiasm is apparent in the projects they choose to champion and the reason they are great partners for this film.”

Oscar winner and Thor franchise director Taika Waititi and Luther will Executive Produce with Fit Via Vi’s William G. Way and Elliott Whitton. Bill Pohlad, Kim Roth and Christa Zofcin Workman from River Road Entertainment, Charles D. King, Poppy Hanks and Greta Talia Fuentes from MACRO, and Paolo Mottola and Joe Z. Crosby from REI Co-op Studios, will also serve as executive producers alongside teams at Good Gravy, World of Ha and World of Wonder, as well as Martha Gregory, Robina Riccitielio, Evan Arnold and Delaney Buffet. “Nomandland’s” Dan Janvey and Rebecca Wyzan will co-produce “Frybread Face and Me.”

About River Road Entertainment

River Road Entertainment is a leading independent production company known for making distinguished feature films and documentaries that astonish, inspire, reveal, and provoke. Founded by Bill Pohlad, acclaimed filmmaker and producer of Academy Award®-winning films, the company’s ability to seek out compelling material and bring it to life has established River Road’s reputation as unafraid to take creative risks. In the last ten years, River Road has produced and financed some of the most significant independent films, including the six-time Emmy nominated special “American Utopia,” Academy Award winners “12 Years a Slave” and “Brokeback Mountain,” Palme d’Or winner “The Tree of Life,” and many other acclaimed films such as “Love & Mercy” and “Into the Wild.”

About MACRO
Launched in 2015 by Founder & CEO Charles D. King, MACRO is a multi-platform media company representing the voice and perspectives of Black people, indigenous people, and people of color.  The company’s multiple business verticals include a film (MACRO) and television studio (MACRO Television Studios) that finances, develops and produces theatrical features and premium television, talent (M88) and influencer (UNCMMN) representation divisions, a branding and creative agency (Brand MACRO) and an affiliated venture firm (MaC Venture Capital).  The company’s film projects have received fifteen Oscar nominations and three wins including a Best Picture nomination for “Judas and the Black Messiah,” which the company co-financed and produced.  MACRO also co-financed and produced the critically acclaimed “Mudbound” and “Sorry To Bother You” as well as co-financed and executive produced “Fences,” “Roman J. Israel” and “Just Mercy.” On the television side, the Netflix drama series “Raising Dion” and “Gentefied” are both executive produced by MACRO Television Studios and are currently in post-production on their second seasons.  Go to https://www.staymacro.com/about for more information.

About the REI Co-op