A Powerful Weekend with the Lightning Boy Foundation

Courage

Aug 5

This past weekend in Santa Fe, Courage was screened in partnership with the Lightning Boy Foundation, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. As a filmmaker, I have had the honor of sharing Courage in many spaces, but this weekend was truly special.

Photos by our Director of Photography, Mario Contini

To screen our film during the 4th Annual Youth Hoop Dance Championship, with a foundation whose mission aligns so deeply with the heart of our story, felt like a full-circle moment. The Lightning Boy Foundation was established in memory of Valentino “Tzigiwhaeno” Rivera, a young boy whose love for dance radiated through every performance. Today, the Foundation continues that light by nurturing the creative gifts of Indigenous youth through traditional and contemporary arts, especially the healing art of Hoop Dance.

We were honored to present Courage across four incredible screenings, where audience members had the chance to meet some of our cast, our director of photography Mario Contini, and myself. After each screening, we shared space with the audience, answered questions, and reflected together on the story’s message; One of heritage, resilience, and self-discovery.

Adding to the emotion of the weekend, Courage’s own star, Mateo, competed in the youth hoop dance competition. Seeing him dance with such heart was a powerful reminder of the film’s roots in lived experience and tradition. It was also a joy to take part in the event not only as a filmmaker, but as a performer and judge during the championship.

The Lightning Boy Foundation is a beacon in the community, offering access to arts education, cultural connection, and healing for Native youth across the Tewa Pueblos of Northern New Mexico and beyond. It was an honor to align with their mission and to witness the strength and spirit of the next generation of artists.

With each screening of Courage, we’re reminded of the power of storytelling and the impact it has when shared with the right community. We’re grateful to the Lightning Boy Foundation for welcoming us and to every audience member who showed up, shared words, and felt the film.

We’re excited to continue this journey at future festivals—and we carry the energy from Santa Fe with us every step of the way.