Local filmmakers to hold fundraiser
Event to raise revenue to finish film will be held Dec. 12
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POLSON – Jeri Rafter and Brook Swaney both grew up in Polson, and they’re headed back to their hometown to look for support in their newest film project.
The filmmaking team has finished filming the documentary “Daughter of a Lost Bird” and is fundraising for the costs of finishing the film. The film documents the story of Kendra Mylnechuk. The story follows Mylnechuk’s journey to find her birth mother and her Lummi heritage as she becomes a mother.
Along the way, the film explores the issue of adoption in Native communities and its implications on tribal sovereignty.
“This is also a bigger story about the story of navigating identities,” Rafter said.
Rafter is the producer of the documentary, and Swaney directed the film. Rafter graduated from Polson High School in 2001. She went on to produce films, commercials and documentaries. Swaney attended school in Polson before moving to Helena as a second grader. She is Salish and Blackfeet.
The idea for the film started when Swaney cast Mylnechuk as the main character in her film about Native motherhood. At the time, the two lived in New York City. After hearing Mylnechuk’s story about being adopted, the pair decided to start working on a documentary. Now, seven years later, the film needs the final touches.
The event will be held on Dec. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. at KwaTaqNuk. Attendees will view the film trailer and clips from the film. Mylnechuk, Swaney and Rafter will attend to answer questions and speak about the film. There will also be a silent auction, refreshments and a cash bar. The group has raised about half of their $20,000 goal to date.
Rafter said the event is an opportunity for Mission Valley residents to support local filmmakers and enjoy independent film. The fundraiser will be engaging for those who are involved in work with tribal adoptions or have an interest in an adoption story.
“It’s a very redemptive story about somebody who has gone through some hard times and come out of it to reunite with her birth daughter and have a very happy ending,” Rafter said.
If fundraising goes well, the film will air on PBS next year. The full film will be shown in Polson either through the Flathead Lake International Cinemafest or at another screening when it is finished.
The group is looking for in-kind donations for the silent auction. All proceeds will go towards finishing the film. Those who would like to donate online or view the trailer can go to daughterofalostbird.com.
