The History Channel Greenlights Four-Part Documentary Event “Sitting Bull”
The HISTORY Channel greenlights the four-part documentary event, “Sitting Bull,” from Appian Way Productions’ Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson and Stephen David Entertainment, a Banijay Group Company that traces the incredible life of the legendary Hunkpapa Lakota chief. A fierce warrior, loving father, and holy man, the story of Sitting Bull provides a new perspective on the United States as the nation rapidly evolved around the legendary figure. The production has committed itself to ensuring Lakota community involvement. Larry Pourier, an Oglala Lakota consultant with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry advising on Native American TV and film projects and IllumiNative, a Native woman-led non-profit organization focused on increasing Native representation in media in front of and behind the camera, will serve as consultants and advisors on “Sitting Bull.” Both Pourier and IllumiNative will work in partnership to ensure Lakota involvement in all aspects of the production, including cultural advisors, writers, producers, and actors. Told with expert interviews, premium reenactments, and rich archival material, “Sitting Bull” will detail seminal moments and key figures in Native American history including the Battle of Little Big Horn, Washita Massacre, Crazy Horse, Battle of Cedar Creek and the Wounded Knee Massacre.
“HISTORY is committed to delivering diverse storytelling that showcases pivotal moments in our history and ‘Sitting Bull’ tells the story of America through an important lens – a Native American hero that immensely influenced the story of our nation,” said Eli Lehrer, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming for The HISTORY Channel. “We are privileged to partner again with Leo and Stephen and collaborate with Larry and IllumiNative to bring to life a crucial chapter of American history through new voices and perspectives both in front of and behind the camera.”
“Sitting Bull” is produced for The HISTORY Channel by Stephen David Entertainment, Appian Way Productions and IllumiNative. Stephen David is executive producer for Stephen David Entertainment. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson and Phillip Watson serve as executive producers for Appian Way Productions. Crystal Echo Hawk is executive producer for IllumiNative. Larry Pourier will also serve as executive producer. Mary E. Donahue and Zachary Behr are executive producers for The HISTORY Channel.
A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights for “Sitting Bull.”
About The HISTORY(R) Channel
The HISTORY(R) channel, a division of A+E Networks, is the premier destination for historical storytelling. From best-in-class documentary events, to a signature slate of industry leading nonfiction series and premium fact-based scripted programming, The HISTORY(R) Channel serves as the most trustworthy source of informational entertainment in media. The HISTORY(R) Channel has been named the #1 U.S. TV network in buzz for seven consecutive years by YouGov BrandIndex, and a top favorite TV network by Beta Research Corporation. For a deeper dive, visit history.com or follow @history on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. For additional press materials visit the A+E Networks Press Center at http://press.aenetworks.com.
About IllumiNative
IllumiNative is a Native woman-led racial and social justice organization dedicated to increasing the visibility of – and challenging the narrative about – Native peoples. Our mission is to build power for Native peoples by amplifying contemporary Native voices, stories, and issues to advance justice, equity, and self-determination. We envision a future where the self-determination and sovereignty of Native peoples is respected and supported; where our children see themselves reflected in the world around them; and where Native peoples author and drive our own narrative.
About Appian Way Productions
Appian Way Productions is a Los Angeles-based film and television production company founded by Leonardo DiCaprio. Jennifer Davisson serves as president of production. The company has put forth strong efforts to gain headway in the documentary world, especially as it pertains to progressive environmental change. Appian Way recently worked in partnership with the History Channel on “Grant,” and National Geographic to produce “Before the Flood,” a documentary film that sheds light on that aforementioned change. It also worked with Netflix on the Academy Award(R)-nominated Virunga, directed by Orlando von Einsiedel, and Kip Anderson’s Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret. Appian is in partnership with Netflix on several additional documentaries, including critically acclaimed The Ivory Game, How to Change the World and Catching the Sun. Recently released projects included Sea of Shadows with National Geographic, Ice on Fire with HBO, And We Go Green for Hulu, Eli Roth’s Fin for Discovery+ and the Loneliest Whale. Appian currently is in production on Shining Girls for Apple+ starring Elizabeth Moss.
About Stephen David Entertainment
Stephen David Entertainment (SDE) – a Banijay Group Company – is an Emmy(R) Award-winning, New York-based production company known for popularizing the “docudrama” format. SDE has created many of the genre’s most critically acclaimed series including, The Men Who Built America (History), The World Wars (History) and The Making of the Mob (AMC), Roman Empire (Netflix), American Genius (Nat Geo), and The Titans That Built America (History). SDE also produces select scripted projects, such as Sons of Liberty (History), and award-winning documentaries, such as Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle (Sundance).
