Courage Takes Home “Best Short” at the Shining Mountains Indigenous Film Festival
We’re thrilled to share that Courage won “Best Short” at the Shining Mountains Indigenous Film Festival in Aspen, Colorado!
It was an unforgettable weekend—Eric Michael Hernandez had the honor of both performing and screening Courage at the festival, connecting with an incredible group of talented filmmakers and storytellers.
Founded in 2018 by the Aspen Indigenous Foundation, the Shining Mountains Film Festival serves as a vital platform to amplify Indigenous voices through cinema. The festival highlights films and documentaries that reveal untold histories, generational trauma, and the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples across America, while also celebrating the wisdom, beauty, and resilience of Native culture.
Winning Best Short among such powerful works is an incredible honor. Courage is a story rooted in identity, healing, and reclaiming strength—a reflection of Indigenous resilience that continues to inspire audiences everywhere.
To everyone who came out, shared space, and supported this film—thank you. Your energy and connection made this weekend in Aspen truly special.
Next, Courage will screen in Los Angeles, California, at The Autry Museum on November 19, 2025, as part of An Evening of Indigenous Cinema, featuring three Academy-qualified
Indigenous short films: Tiger by Loren Waters, POW! by Joey Clift, and Courage by Eric Michael Hernandez.
Join us for a night of powerful Indigenous storytelling at The Autry Museum in Los Angeles. Come celebrate Native voices, artistry, and the strength of community through film.
