Indigenous in the News: "Rivers of Grass: Sasha Wortzel and the Miccosukee Connection"
Today we welcome Sasha Wortzel—filmmaker, artist, and storyteller whose work explores the intersections of memory, land, and identity. Her latest film, Rivers of Grass, takes us deep into the Florida Everglades, where ecology, history, and Indigenous resistance converge. With a poetic lens and powerful collaborations, Sasha brings forward stories that connect us to place, purpose, and preservation.
About Sasha: Sasha Wortzel's upcoming film Rivers of Grass is a poetic and immersive exploration of the Florida Everglades, blending environmental history, personal memory, and queer identity. The film draws inspiration from the writings of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the environmentalist who famously dubbed the Everglades a "river of grass," and incorporates contemporary voices of those who call the region home.
Wortzel, a Florida native and 2017 AIRIE (Artists in Residence in Everglades) fellow, is known for her multidisciplinary work that delves into the intersections of ecology, memory, and marginalized histories. Her approach often involves a blend of documentary and experimental techniques, aiming to illuminate the layered narratives embedded in landscapes.
In 2024, an installation featuring film stills from Rivers of Grass was showcased at Oregon State University’s PRAx Lightboxes, in conjunction with the exhibition How to Carry Water. This installation offered audiences a glimpse into the film's visual and thematic elements, highlighting Wortzel's focus on the Everglades' past and present.
While a specific release date for the full film has not been announced, the ongoing exhibitions and Wortzel's active engagement with environmental and artistic communities suggest that Rivers of Grass will continue to be presented in various formats. For updates on screenings or related events, following Wortzel's official channels or institutions like AIRIE and PRAx would be beneficial.
Contact: Email: https://www.riverofgrassfilm.com Publicist: marija@silkstrategy.com Website: https://www.riverofgrassfilm.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverofgrassdoc Indigenous in the News
Join us every week from Two Buffalo Studios in Bradenton, Florida, as we bring you the latest updates on issues that matter to us all, from the Shakers to the Makers across Indian Country. Hosted by Larry K. from the Ho-Chunk Nation and his co-host Gary Wilcox from the Powatan Nation. Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to me at larry@indigenousinmusic.com or visit www.indigenousinmusicandarts.org/category/ln-the-news for all the details. If you have a story and would like to share it, contact us.