Courage was honored with the Outstanding Choreography or Performance Piece award at the Micheaux Film Festival in Los Angeles — celebrating Eric Michael Hernandez’s hoop dance performance and the film’s visual artistry.

Courage continues its award-winning journey, earning “Best Narrative Short” at the World Culture Film Festival in Los Angeles—a celebration of cinema that uplifts the human spirit and inspires positive change.

Courage won “Best Short” at the Shining Mountains Indigenous Film Festival in Aspen, Colorado, and will next screen at The Autry Museum in Los Angeles alongside two Academy-qualified Indigenous short films.

Courage continues its festival journey with two major wins at the 2025 Sioux City International Film Festival, Best Drama and Audience Choice Juried. It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by both the jury and the audience among such amazing storytellers.

We were proud to feature White Bear Moccasins in Courage. Shauna White Bear’s craftsmanship and story mirror the themes of tradition, resilience, and inspiration at the heart of our film.

Courage was part of the very first Lone Peak Film Festival, where our producer Emmie represented the film. It was an honor to share our short alongside so many talented storytellers in a festival built with intention and heart.

Eric Hernandez reflects on his recent interview with Ward Bond of Bond On Cinema, where they discussed Courage, cultural storytelling, and the power of uplifting Native voices.

The music of Courage is here. With Abraham Thomas’ unforgettable main theme and Geneviève Gros-Louis’ sweeping score, the soundtrack release brings the soul of the film to life. Now streaming on Spotify.

Courage was presented at the Raizado Film Festival in Aspen, where it resonated deeply with the Latino and Hispanic community, sparking emotional conversations about culture, representation, and healing.

Screening Courage at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre during HollyShorts Film Festival was nothing short of a dream come true. With a sold-out crowd, roaring applause, and the support of friends, family, and backers, it became a milestone that honored community and celebrated storytelling.

We joined the Lightning Boy Foundation in Santa Fe for a special weekend of screenings, youth hoop dancing, and cultural connection. From cast appearances to performances and audience conversations, it was an unforgettable celebration of art, identity, and community.

Eric Hernandez shares a heartfelt reflection on the Fort Peck Youth Summit with Nike N7, highlighting the joy of cultural exchange, a special screening of Courage, and the deep gratitude for being part of Sam McCracken’s legacy.

When director Eric Michael Hernandez set out to tell the story of Courage, he knew the vision was bold. Thanks to a groundbreaking partnership with Panavision, the production gained access to top-tier gear, making this Indigenous short film look and feel like a studio feature.