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Where was war pony filmed?

Where was War Pony filmed?

War Pony is a 2022 American drama film written and directed by Riley Keough, a first-time feature director. The film tells the story of two young Lakota boys who escape the violence and neglect of their homes and embark on a journey to find their absent fathers. The movie received critical acclaim for its raw and emotional portrayal of Native American life and experiences. In this article, we will explore where War Pony was filmed and what locations were used to bring this powerful story to life.

Filming Locations

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War Pony was primarily filmed on location in the Black Hills of South Dakota, as well as in Rapid City and nearby towns. The film’s cinematography is stunning, capturing the vast and beautiful landscapes of the American West. Here are some of the key filming locations:

  • Black Hills National Forest: The forest was used to film many of the scenes featuring the two young protagonists, played by Lily Gladstone and Mouli Pal. The forest’s rolling hills, pine trees, and scenic vistas provided a dramatic backdrop for the boys’ journey.
  • Custer State Park: The park was used to film several scenes, including a dramatic horseback ride and a confrontation between the boys and a group of ranchers.
  • Rapid City: The city was used as the location for many of the film’s interior scenes, including the boys’ encounters with adults and their exploration of the local town.
  • Hot Springs: The town of Hot Springs, located in western South Dakota, was used as a filming location for several scenes, including a pivotal encounter between the boys and an elderly Native American man.

Native American Reservations

War Pony features many Native American characters and is heavily influenced by Lakota culture. The film was largely shot on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, which is home to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. The reservation is located in southern South Dakota and is one of the largest in the state.

  • Rosebud Indian Reservation: The reservation was used as the primary location for many of the film’s scenes, including the boys’ journey and their encounters with their families and communities.
  • Pine Ridge Indian Reservation: The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, located in southwestern South Dakota, was also used as a filming location for the movie.

Other Locations

In addition to the locations listed above, War Pony was also filmed in several other locations in South Dakota, including:

  • Crazy Horse Memorial: The memorial, which is a work-in-progress sculpture dedicated to the Lakota war leader Crazy Horse, was used as a filming location for several scenes.
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial: The iconic memorial, which features the faces of four U.S. presidents, was used as a filming location for a brief scene.

Behind-the-Scenes

War Pony was a highly collaborative project between the cast, crew, and local Native American communities. The film’s director, Riley Keough, worked closely with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and other Native American organizations to ensure that the film was authentic and respectful.

  • Native American Advisory Board: The film had a Native American advisory board, which included members of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and other Native American organizations. The board reviewed the script and provided input on the film’s representation of Native American culture.
  • Casting Call: The film held open casting calls on the Rosebud Indian Reservation and at other Native American communities, seeking actors who were willing to share their stories and experiences.

Conclusion

War Pony is a powerful and emotional film that tells the story of two young Lakota boys who embark on a journey to find their absent fathers. The film was largely shot on location in the Black Hills of South Dakota, as well as on Native American reservations in the state. The film’s stunning cinematography and authentic portrayal of Native American culture have earned it critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. If you’re interested in learning more about the making of War Pony, we recommend checking out the film’s website and social media channels, which feature behind-the-scenes photos and interviews with the cast and crew.

Filming Schedule

LocationDates
Black Hills National ForestMarch 2020 – April 2020
Custer State ParkApril 2020 – May 2020
Rapid CityMay 2020 – June 2020
Hot SpringsJune 2020 – July 2020
Rosebud Indian ReservationJuly 2020 – August 2020
Pine Ridge Indian ReservationAugust 2020 – September 2020

Important Dates

  • Principal Photography: March 2020 – September 2020
  • Post-Production: September 2020 – January 2022
  • Release Date: February 2022

Note: The filming schedule and important dates are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.

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