INSIDE THE CIRCLE
Where culture, creativity, and community come full circle.
Follow the journey, explore:
Courage Screenings,
Festival Journey,
Performances,
and Events
FILM FESTIVAL SCREENINGS
Since its debut, Courage has been honored with selections and screenings at festivals and cultural events across North America.
Courage has screened at Seminole Pow Wow — Kansas City FilmFest International — Cleveland International Film Festival — Tonkawa Film Festival — Yakama Nation — Fort Peck Community College — WCCF — Seattle — Lumbee Film Festival — American Indian Services at UVU — Indy Shorts International Film Festival — Lightning Boy Foundation in Santa Fe — Triangle Native American Society — HollyShorts Film Festival — GIFF Santa Fe — Pathways Film Festival — Mesa International Film Festival — BronzeLens Film Festival — Raizado Film Festival in Aspen — Silicon Beach Film Festival — Shorts by the Sea in Santa Monica — Lone Peak Film Festival — Burbank International Film Festival — Albuquerque Music & Film Festival — NatiVisions Film Festival — Catalina Film Festival — Edmonton International Film Festival — Sioux City International Film Festival — Shining Mountains Film Festival — RNCI Red Nation International Film Festival & Awards in Los Angeles
Courage is Now Streaming on FNX First Nations Experience
Courage is now streaming on FNX, the national Indigenous network dedicated to Native and world Indigenous stories. This partnership means a great deal, and we are honored to finally share Courage with households everywhere.
The Making of Courage: Episode Three
Episode Three of The Making of Courage captures the energy and community behind filming the school scenes at Sonrise Christian School, where Eric Hernandez worked with student extras and crew to bring a key moment of the story to life.
The Making of Courage: Episode Two
Episode Two of The Making of Courage dives into how Eric Hernandez built the vision of the film, shaped the opening scene, and found his creative rhythm with the support of his cast and crew.
The Making of Courage: Episode One
Episode One of The Making of Courage looks back at Day One on set through Eric Hernandez’s eyes and highlights the crew, the teamwork, and the quiet moments that started the journey.
Thank You for Joining Us at An Evening of Indigenous Cinema
A warm thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of film, food, conversation, and culture at The Autry Museum. Your presence made the night meaningful.
Courage Wins Outstanding Choreography at the Micheaux Film Festival
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 Wins “Best Narrative Short” at the World Culture Film Festival
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 Takes Home “Best Short” at the Shining Mountains Indigenous Film Festival
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 Wins Best Drama and Audience Choice Juried at the 2025 Sioux City International Film Festival
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.
Honoring Tradition with White Bear Moccasins in Courage
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 at the First-Ever Lone Peak Film Festival
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.
Sharing the Heart of Courage in an Interview with Ward Bond
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.
Experience the Courage Soundtrack and Score, Now on Spotify
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.
Sharing Courage at the Raizado Film Festival
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.
Courage at HollyShorts: A Dream Screening at the Chinese Theatre
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.
A Powerful Weekend with the Lightning Boy Foundation
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.
Fort Peck: A Special Gathering with N7 and Nike
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.
A Game-Changing Grant That Brought Courage to Life
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.