Biography
Sterlin Harjo (born 14 November 1979) is a member of the Seminole Nation and has Muskogee heritage. He was raised in Holdenville, Oklahoma and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he studied art and film. He received a fellowship from the Sundance Institute in 2004. His short film, Goodnight, Irene, premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival and received a special jury award at the Aspen Shortfest. In 2006, he received a fellowship from the newly formed United States Artists foundation....
Known For
Complete Filmography
Thin Places
2025
Executive Producer
After her sister Tama’s untimely passing, Birdie learns that the bond between them is stronger than life and death.
Rez Ball
2024
Executive Producer, Writer
After losing their star player, a high school basketball team rooted in Native American culture must unite to keep their state championship dreams ali...
Hail to the Breadsticks!
2024
as Self
Writer producer Donick Cary (The Simpsons, Parks and Recreation, Have a Good Trip, etc.) has been a huge fan of the Washington D.C. pro football team...
Red Fever
2024
as Self - Filmmaker, Writer, Director
Red Fever is a witty and entertaining feature documentary about the profound -- yet hidden -- Indigenous influence on Western culture and identity. Th...
We Are Still Here
2021
as Himself
Indigenous people have been misrepresented in film since the beginning of the Classic Hollywood Era, and people believe that Native Americans have van...
Love and Fury
2020
Director, Editor, Producer
Filmmaker Sterlin Harjo follows Native artists for a year as they navigate their careers in the US and abroad. The film explores the immense complexit...
Gather
2020
Producer
A portrait of a growing movement amongst Indigenous Americans to reclaim their spiritual and cultural identities through obtaining sovereignty over th...
Little Chief
2020
Producer
The lives of a Native woman and a troubled young boy intersect over the course of a school day on a reservation in Oklahoma.
Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen
2019
as Self
This film is an intimate portrayal of pioneering filmmaker Merata Mita told through the eyes of her children. Using hours of archive footage, some nev...
Who Controls the Land
2018
as Filmmaker
Native American actor Martin Sensmeier travels to San Juan County, Utah, to investigate the controversy over the Bears Ears National Monument. While ...
Who Controls the Land
2018
Director
Native American actor Martin Sensmeier travels to San Juan County, Utah, to investigate the controversy over the Bears Ears National Monument. While ...
Mekko
2015
Writer, Director, Producer
Mekko gets out of prison after 19 years. He has no home or family so he makes his way to Tulsa. He tries to connect with a cousin but she turns him aw...
This May Be the Last Time
2014
Director, Producer, Cinematography
Filmmaker Sterlin Harjo's Grandfather disappeared mysteriously in 1962. The community searching for him sang songs of encouragement that were passed d...
Barking Water
2009
Director, Screenplay
Frankie is dying. Irene hasn't forgiven him. And they are racing against time to find their way home. Frankie needs help and Irene is the one he turns...
Four Sheets to the Wind
2007
Director, Writer
After his father's untimely suicide, Cufe leaves his home in a Native American reservation in search of a more fulfilling life.
Goodnight Irene
2005
Director, Writer
Some things are worth the wait.