FILM PRODUCERS DISCUSS SOVEREIGNTY DAY FILM PROPOSAL
By Harrison J. Bahe
On August 20, 2026, Clissene Lewis, the Culture Coordinator, hosted an open discussion at the Fort McDowell Recreation Center to talk about a potential film adaptation about the 1992 FBI casino raid and ensuing standoff at the old Fort McDowell Bingo Hall that ultimately resulted in Indian gaming rights for the state of Arizona.
Present at the open discussion was one of two potential film producers, Daniel Golding, who comes from the Fort Yuma Quechan tribe. Golding graduated Cum Laude from San Francisco State University receiving a BA in Film Production and a minor in American Indian Studies. He has 20+ years of experience as an independent filmmaker and producer and owns Hokan Media LLC. He was also the producer, director, and writer of a 2026 NOVA episode which focused on Indigenous science.
His producing partner Bradford Gilbert, who was not in attendance, has several film projects under his belt such as After Life in 2009 which featured Liam Neeson and Christina Ricci, The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond in 2008 featuring Chris Evens and Bryce Dallas Howard, Benefit of the Doubt in 1993 starring Donald Sutherland and Graham Greene, and South Central in 1992 which was produced by Oliver Stone and released by Warner Bros.
The intention of the filmmakers is to ensure that the Yavapai people of Fort McDowell can tell their stories of that fateful day in 1992. The plan is to have the narrative feature unfold chronologically, immersing the viewers in the lived experiences of tribal members and their allies as the events escalate. The film would delve into the personal motivations of tribal members who stood up against the FBI and ATF agents attempting to steal their gaming machines. This would highlight pivotal moments of confrontation, solidarity, and negotiation during the standoff.
The producers of the film promise that the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation will retain authority over the subject matter of the story, ensuring that the portrayal aligns with the community’s values and historical experiences. An as-of-yet hired screenplay writer would work closely with tribal members, gathering firsthand accounts of tribal members who were there the morning of May 12, 1992. These contributions will be instrumental in shaping a screenplay that authentically represents real-life characters and captures the pivotal moments of the 10-day standoff.
Step one of the filmmaking processes would be to hire a writer. The typical fee for a screenplay writer through the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) is $100,000. The writer would provide a first draft, a second draft, and a final polish on the shooting script. The fee would be paid throughout the writing process upon delivery of each draft. Part of their fee would also incorporate the WGA’s pension and health plan and a production bonus of 3.5% of the budget with a floor of $350,000 and a ceiling of $500,000, which would mean there would be less money paid up front. The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation would fund the WGA fee of $100,000 to hire a writer. It is also important to note that all developmental monies paid by the Nation, including that screenwriting fee and expenses, will be reimbursed on commencement of production.
Step two of the filmmaking process would be production financing. After the screenplay has been completed and received final approval from both the producers and the Nation, the next critical phase is to secure the necessary financing to launch the film’s production. The targeted production budget for the project is estimated to fall within the range of $10 to $15 million dollars. To facilitate this funding, outreach will be made to leading industry distributors, including Amazon, MGM, Apple, Netflix, and A24. These organizations represent potential partners that can provide the financial support required to bring the film to end, ensuring that production can proceed to the next stage.
The film production is scheduled to be filmed on location, specifically at the former casino site and surrounding areas. The We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort would accommodate the cast and crew, with expenses covered by production. This approach not only highlights the unique setting but also strengthens the connection between the project and the Nation. In addition to filming on tribal land, opportunities would be available for tribal members to be considered for small to medium roles, and for tribal members (young adults and adults) and Arizona State University students to work with the crew in various departments based on their vocational aspirations.
Are you ecstatic about this potential film project? Do you feel that a film should be made about one of our most iconic moments in history? While the tribal council has not officially approved any involvement in the film production, the idea that a narrative feature film is being developed by independent filmmakers about the FBI raid and standoff of 1992 is an exciting one.
