"I FEEL BLUE" (Nitàikkihinií taki) Documentary

My name is Floyd Daniel Grigsby and I am an emerging filmmaker currently working on my first documentary film.

The idea for this film had its start while I was attending graduate school. Having some Native ancestry and having spent my entire adult life in the music industry, my interest was naturally a blend of these two very important influences. My thesis focused on Native American invisibility as I examined the lack of historical reporting regarding the contributions made by Native Americans to American culture and artistic development. My presentation included several short videos of Native singer/songwriters who shared their stories and experiences in dealing with this contemporary form of exclusion. The resulting stirring and positive reactions from my peers and professors confirmed that this story was deeper than what most would expect and that it had to be told.

 

“I Feel Blue” (Nitàikkihiniì taki) is a powerful and slightly controversial documentary that, on the surface, tells a story linking Native American and mixed-race Native-African American musicians in the formation of two uniquely American music forms – the Blues and Jazz. By examining the shared experiences that brought Native and African American musical expressions together, the film reveals the underlying historical parallels between these two cultures.

 

Through unscripted conversations, edited together with live performances by accomplished Native American & mixed race Native-African American musicians, behind the scene stories, and visits to the communities they call home, viewers learn about the rich and meaningful contributions made by First Nations Peoples to American cultural development.

I, along with my creative partner and cinematographer, Valerie Barnes, are committed to telling a story of misrepresented history regarding what is generally understood about the formation of these two original American musical art forms.

 

We have been invited to speak to several Native artists in Florida, Oklahoma, Montana and Canada.

In these communities live promising and dedicated blues and jazz musicians who face the struggle of being recognized for their contributions to American music and its development — some achieving notoriety while others continue their journey to be heard. Each one of their stories is unique, but they share a common obstacle that is directly related to America's memorializing, fetishizing and disregard for the actual history of American musical development.

The plan is to spend at least 2 to 4 days at each location in an attempt to accurately tell their stories. To do so we are trying to raise $10,000 for travel and accommodations.

 

Directors Statement

The subjects who take center stage in this story are Native American contemporary musicians, activists, and music professionals from diverse backgrounds, ranging from young emerging talents to seasoned veterans. This deliberate inclusion of individuals from both young and older age groups serves a profound purpose, especially for the younger generations of Native Americans. By showcasing the multi-generational presence of Native artists, the film brings to the forefront the significance of identity, a sense of self, historical relevance, and hope for the future.

Through their powerful stories, captivating music and insights, these individuals represent a vibrant tapestry of Native culture, challenging the misconceptions and highlighting the often-unnoticed contributions of Native people. This aspect of the film exposes the long-standing neglect of First Nation Peoples, shedding light on the need for recognition, respect, and equal opportunities. By intertwining narratives of past struggles and present accomplishments, the documentary provides a platform for both young and older musicians to inspire and motivate one another, fostering a sense of pride and empowerment among Indigenous artists and encouraging them to continue making their mark on the world stage.