Mile Post 398 is a 2007 independent drama film written, directed, and produced by Shonie and Andee De La Rosa, it is also the first featured film in cinema history that was written, produced, directed, filmed and starred in by an all-Navajo team.
It was filmed in Kayenta, Arizona, as well as surrounding locations, Black Mesa, Chinle, Many Farms and Tsegi. It was an official selection of the American Indian Film Festival and Monument Valley Film Festival.
Plot Taking place on the Navajo Nation, Cloyd Begay (Beau Benally), has been a victim of alcohol abuse and domestic violence throughout his childhood as a result of his resorting to alcohol to repress his memories. As he is willing to take responsibility for his life as a husband and father, Cloyd's drinking buddies Jimmy (Gerald Vandever) and Marty (James Junes) cultivate his continued participation in their carefree lifestyle of drinking and partying, thus preventing him from making significant changes. All the while, his wife Lorraine (Kim White) and son Michael (KJ White) begin to lose hope in him and seriously consider leaving him. As the ensuing events unfold, it leads him to make a life-changing choice.
Cast Actor Role Beau Benally Cloyd Begay Gerald Vandever Jimmy, one of Cloyd's drinking buddies James Junes Marty, one of Cloyd's drinking buddies Ernest "Ernie" David Tsosie III Ray Yazzie, Cloyd's friend Kim White Lorraine Begay, Cloyd's wife KJ White Michael Begay, Cloyd's son Dwayne Lake Steven, Cloyd's boss Anthony "Horse" Yellowhorse Horse, Bootlegger
Awards Year Award Winner/Nominee Category Result 2007 American Indian Film Festival Ernest "Ernie" David Tsosie III Best Supporting Actor Fargo Film Festival Shonie and Andee de la Rosa Native American Voices/Best Narrative Feature Tulalip Film Festival Shonie and Andee de la Rosa Best Drama Best Screenplay 2008 Talking Stick Film Festival Beau Benally Best Actor
See also G, a documentary on methamphetamine use on the Navajo Nation, by the same filmmakers James & Ernie, a Navajo comedy duo
References
External links Mile Post 398 – 32nd American Indian Film Festival Mile Post 398 world premiere packs house in Kayenta Talking Stick Film Festival Newspaper Rock