THESE SACRED HILLS: POST-FILM Q&A

Monday, June 9, 2025
American Rivers and High Country News present:
These Sacred Hills
Post-film Q&A with:
Jacob Bailey
Christopher Ward
Pax’anashat, Jeremy Takala
Wanux’ni, Elaine Harvey
Yúum Tiičám, Chief Bronsco Jim Jr. 
B. Toastie Oaster
Free Admission (RSVP at ticket link leading up to show)
6pm doors / 7pm film
These Sacred Hills follows the Rock Creek Band of the Yakama Nation as they fight to protect their sacred land from the proposed Goldendale Pump Storage project. After centuries of displacement and loss, they are forced to share parts of their culture never seen before in a desperate effort to preserve what remains. The film style is immersive and fluid, inviting viewers on a journey with the community. Its messaging is circular and indirect, taking cues from Northwest Indigenous storytelling approaches. The filmmaker embedded themselves with the community for a season, using a low-profile approach to filming and patiently “being with” the community, waiting hours and sometimes days for the right moment to record. The film follows the community on their seasonal round of food gathering, from the Columbia River to the hills and canyons along the Columbia, as far north as the Sawtooth Range near Mt. Adams and as far south as the meadows of the Blue Mountains in Oregon. It weaves together traditional activities, activism, community laughter, and human moments, against the backdrop of the fight to protect their sacred lands from the encroaching green energy projects.
Dir: Jacob Bailey / 2025 / 96 min

Accessible Seating:

When selecting tickets in advance, mark “Wheelchair / Accessible.” Accessible seating sections are located on the main floor in various areas for sight, hearing, size, and mobility needs. If you are comfortable sharing your needs, email boxoffice@olympiafilmsociety.org before purchasing so we can better assist you and ensure your time at the theater is enjoyable.