Selected Film
Before Scorsese’s film, before Grann’s book, there was a poem... Elise Paschen: In Her Own Words is a documentary film which tells the intertwined stories of Osage poet Elise Paschen and her mother, New York City Ballet prima ballerina Maria Tallchief. It follows the Tallchief family from the Osage lands of Fairfax, Oklahoma to the world stage, from the Reign of Terror to the bestselling book and Oscar-nominated film Killers of the Flowers Moon — the title of which was inspired by a line in Paschen’s poem Wi’-gi-e. Through interview footage and archive photos, we trace Tallchief’s steps across the stage, and follow Paschen’s words as they dance across the page. * * * * * “Elise Paschen: In Her Own Words is more than a documentary on a vital poet — it is a critical reclamation of our past. Through her lyric voice, we witness the enduring power of Osage resilience, poetic lineage, remembrance of the Reign of Terror, motherhood and a woman’s unwavering devotion to the power of poetry to reclaim story, language, and history so that it may never be erased or forgotten.” — Rey M. Rodríguez, Chapter House Literary Journal, Institute of American Indian Arts * * * * * “This interview takes us under the hood and into the artist's process, unpacking the weight of history and the continuing impact of the strata of family, culture, and connection on the creation of Elise Paschen's body of work and especially her poems — both short and epic — rooted in the terror and beauty she and her extended family have survived, kinda. This interview is an origin story that's even larger than Paschen.” — Jerry Quickly, Poet, scholar and journalist ("Dead South", "Shackles", and "Fighting Words") * * * * * “There is amazing energy and power in the tradition of oral history. We are so fortunate to have Elise Paschen share with us the story of her mother, the famed prima ballerina Maria Tallchief along with remembrances of other members of her family. This was a love letter she had to share. Her words document a unique knowledge of the story of the Reign of Terror even though it was something never talked about as child or young adult. The documentary’s cinematic overlays of her poetry make the words come to life. In every frame is truth and the story of a tribal nation that persevered. Elise Paschen: In Her Own Words is a triumph of history, poetry, and culture.” — Dr. David H. Goldenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Museum of Tulsa History * * * * * “For someone who has dedicated so much time to mentoring others and evangelizing about the essential role of poetry in American life, it’s such a joy to see the much deserved spotlight turn around and illuminate the work and life of Elise Paschen.” — Jeff Martin, Founder, Magic City Books * * * * * “Elise Paschen: In Her Own Words is a remarkable interview with the Osage poet who provided the inspiration for Martin Scorsese's film Killers of the Flower Moon. The interview delves into Paschen's background as the daughter of Maria Tallchief, America's first major prima ballerina and the first Native American to hold the rank. The film also explores Maria Tallchief's collaboration with her husband, the well-known choreographer George Balanchine. But the film is much more than the history of one fascinating family; it explores what it is to live a life close to the wellspring of inspiration. A must-see for anyone interested in dance, film, poetry.” — Michael Simms, Author & Editor of Vox Populi * * * * * “Elise Paschen’s poetry reflects her life and her heritage. She weaves together images from her childhood with stories of the Osage Nation and their native land in Oklahoma. In the 38-minute documentary, Elise Paschen: In Her Own Words, she shares her personal story, which offers a glimpse of the tragedy, the triumph and the excellence of the Osage people.” — Betty Bailey, My Hero Project * * * * * “Elise Paschen instills in the listener a joy of love, craft, and the sweat of hard work passed to her by her mother, America’s first Prima Ballerina, Maria Tallchief. I was instantly struck by Ms. Paschen’s affecting smile when she spoke. “Elise Paschen: In Her Own Words” is a documentary that celebrates the necessity of art in culture. Words as delivered verbally from the essence of Elise Paschen are as planetary as Paschen's poems. She is an accolade to this land that she has “outlived.” Elise Paschen is a transcendental reminder to humanity of the home that remains.” — Austin Allen James, Arts Editor, Merion West
Duration: 00:10:00
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English
Director(s): Nicole Powers
Writer(s):
Producer(s): Nicole Powers
Key Cast: Elise Paschen
Other Credits: