LVLegacy Vision Productions Film
A young Native man, disconnected from his Indigenous identity, is pulled back to who he really is through the spin of the hoop.
Starring Cara Jade Myers · Pyet DeSpain · Mateo Ulibarri · Terry Goedel · PJ Vegas
Director Eric Michael Hernandez
★ An Oscar®-qualified short film
Reviews
“Courage is a film that has inspired my own personal journey of reconnecting with my roots — not only as a proud Angeleno, but also as a proud urban Native. We find strength in storytelling like this that speaks directly to us.”
“Minute by minute, this short adds up to emotional excellence and transcends the sum of its talented parts. It is a feel-good short that can easily be imagined as a unique feature film.”
“A perfect example of how to expand and embrace positive representation — with passion, heart, and great storytelling. If it screens in your city, go and support this wonderful film.”
“Courage elevates hoop dancing to another level by bringing it into a new medium. It shows kids that their stories matter — and demonstrates that with confidence and professionalism.”
Meet the Director
As a member of the Lumbee Tribe, I’ve spent my life watching Indigenous stories erased, misrepresented, or told by people outside the community. Hollywood has long portrayed Native people as relics of the past, trapped in historical clichés and disconnected from the present.
Courage is my answer to that. It’s a deeply personal film, drawn from real experience, family, and the complexity of growing up Native in an urban world.
I made this film to highlight a side of Indigenous life that’s almost never shown on screen: the modern Native experience. Today, most Native people live in cities, not on horseback or in buckskin.
It’s time the world sees us as we are — alive, evolving, and rooted in both tradition and now.
Written & Directed by Eric Michael Hernandez
From the Film
The Making of Courage
A six-part series on the heart, craft, and community that brought Courage to life — unlock all six with the Behind the Scenes bundle.
Written & Directed by
Director of Photography
Music by
Edited by
Sound Design
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Executive Producers
Produced by