A never-released film has been given new life by a local artist and the Oklahoma State Historical Society (OSHS). The film, "Daughter of Dawn," by Norman Miles, was made in the Wichita Mountains of southwestern Oklahoma, and features all Native American actors.
It is the first full length movie of its kind involving Indian legend and lore of southwestern plains Indians.
“On December 12th, 2007, The Oklahoma State Historical Society commissioned me to write the music for a 1920 silent film, "Daughter of Dawn," said Oklahoma artist David Yeagley. “June of 2008, the score was finished and in print, but funding for the professional recording was lacking. Fund-raising has been passed essentially to the private sector.”
The film making includes the first American Indian to be commissioned to write a film score.
OSHS obtained the film; the six reels of 35mm nitrate, and restored it to DVD form. Yeagley, an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and native Oklahoma City man was hired to create a music sound track for the 76 minute production. Yeagley wrote 80 minutes of non-stop, non-repetitive symphonic music, for full orchestra.
“We are willing to partner," says OSHS executive director Bob Blackburn. “As it stands, any organization, company, or private individual can share ownership of the film, and in any profits from the eventual public sale of the DVD and its sound track.”
He said plans are to apply to show the film at major film festivals around the world.
Yeagley is the foremost recorded American Indian modern classical composer. His work includes scores of musical recordings and accolades including much of the modern classical repertoire for the American Indian flute. Yeagley holds degrees from Oberlin, Yale, Emory, University of Hartford, and the University of Arizona and a doctorate from the University of Arizona.
Yeagley established the Bad Eagle Foundation, a 501c3, in honor of his great, great Comanche grandfather, Bad Eagle (Quin-ne kish-su-it)), 1839-1909. The foundation was designed for the support of American Indian composers, and has since expanded its scope to encourage social reform and advancement among American Indians.
To offer support to this important piece of work, call (405) 942-1636 or visit This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . To contact OSHS, call (405) 522-5202 or visit okhistory.org.
