We’re incredibly honored to share that Guardian of the Land has been nominated for two Northwest Regional Emmy® Awards!
Nominations:
• Cultural | Historical
• Director
The Regional Emmy® winners will be announced on May 30, 2026, and we’re deeply grateful just to be recognized alongside such meaningful work.
This film would not have been possible without the support of @opb and the dedication of every single person who brought this Bigfoot story to life. I’m truly thankful for this amazing team and everyone who believed in this project.
No matter the outcome, this recognition means so much. Thank you for being part of this wonderful journey.
Indigenous Peoples of the Nch’i-Wána (Columbia River) know Bigfoot not as a monster but as a protector, a spiritual being that walks between the seen and unseen.
For thousands of years, oral histories of Bigfoot have been passed down as a knowledge system, rooting Pacific Northwest tribes in respect, reverence and relationship with the land. Amidst mainstream portrayals of Bigfoot, this film offers instead an Indigenous perspective on the world’s most famous cryptid—as a relative rather than myth.
Featuring the lived experiences of world champion jingle dancer @acosia_ , artist @toma_villa_haup , tribal council member Carlos Calica and anthropologist @weyiiletpu .
Directed by:@laronimo
Executive produced by: @haloitsarya
Cinematography by: @cameronpnielsen , @laronimo , @jessiesears and @kunu_music
Production sound by: @sonar155@bettyboomboom67
Edited by: @cameronpnielsen
Original Score by: @theonewomansymphony
Colorist: @michi_pea
Sound mix by: @yarknevets
#GuardianOfTheLand #emmys #northwestemmys
2025..was a very transformative year for me. A year of community, innovation, but also a year of hardships-adapting to the current world. I’m grateful to everyone that has been apart of this journey and for those that take the chances on me. Sometimes we ask ourselves “Why do we do this?” And the answer keeps on coming back. I want to make an impact with the career that I have set forth on, and an impact that will pass on to the next generation. We need more Native stories out there in the world, and we are breaking that door wide open. May we walk into 2026 with the keys in our hands. Blessings to you all and have a happy new year! From yours truly. 🎆🎇
#newyears #newyear #newyear2025❤️❤️🎉🍾
@opbphoto presents the official teaser for Guardian of the Land, a new Oregon Experience documentary by Producer | Director LaRonn Katchia (@laronimo )
Indigenous Peoples of the Nch’i-Wána (Columbia River), know Bigfoot not as a monster but as a protector, a spiritual being that walks between the seen and unseen.
For thousands of years, oral histories of Bigfoot have been passed down as a knowledge system, rooting Pacific Northwest tribes in respect, reverence and relationship with the land. Amidst mainstream portrayals of Bigfoot, this film offers instead an Indigenous perspective on the world’s most famous cryptid—as a relative rather than myth.
Featuring the lived experiences of world champion jingle dancer @acosia_ , artist @toma_villa_haup , tribal council member Carlos Calica and anthropologist @weyiiletpu .
The film will make its world premiere at the Bend Film Festival on Sunday, October 12th followed by a one of a kind performance by Acosia Red Elk! (Mark your calendars!)
Join us for an unforgettable experience.
👉 Event details in bio.
Produced by:@laronimo
Executive produced by: @haloitsarya
Cinematography by: @cameronpnielsen , @laronimo , @jessiesears and @kunu_music
Production sound by: @sonar155@bettyboomboom67
Edited by: @cameronpnielsen
Original Score by: @theonewomansymphony
Colorist: @michi_pea
Sound mix by: Steven Kray
#GuardianOfTheLand #BendFilmFestival #WorldPremiere #IndigenousCinema #Sasquatch #bigfoot #opb #oregonexperience #acosiaredelk #pnw
Guardian of the land wins AUDIENCE FAVORITE at the We Are Home Film Festival! Hosted by @thrivecentraloregon
Congratulations to our team and thank you Thrive for hosting us at your wonderful film festival!
Indigenous Peoples of the Nch’i-Wána, or Columbia River, know Bigfoot not as a monster but as a protector, a spiritual being that walks between the seen and unseen.
For thousands of years, oral histories of Bigfoot have been passed down as a knowledge system, rooting Pacific Northwest tribes in respect, reverence and relationship with the land. Amidst mainstream portrayals of Bigfoot, this film offers instead an Indigenous perspective on the world’s most famous cryptid—as a relative rather than myth.
Featuring the lived experiences of world champion jingle dancer Acosia Red Elk, artist Toma Villa, tribal council member Carlos Calica and anthropologist Phil Cash Cash.
#wearehomefilmfestival #opb #guardianoftheland
Come see Guardian of the Land today during @opb ‘s film showcase at the @pdxpanorama film festival at the Hollywood Theatre TODAY at 12:00PM! Grab your tickets now at portlandpanorama.org
Description:
Join Oregon Public Broadcasting for a special showcase of Oregon Art Beat and Oregon Experience segments, never before seen on the big screen!
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) is an independent, nonprofit media organization serving people across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest with trusted journalism and engaging programs made freely available through member support.
Some of our most powerful storytelling comes through visually rich, rigorously researched documentary films.
We’re thrilled to share these stories with you and Portland Panorama to deepen the well of beauty and knowledge about the people and the communities that make up our region.
#opb #portlandpanoramafilmfestival
Extremely thankful today to find out that our film Guardian of the Land was nominated for 2 emmys! I’m grateful for @haloitsarya for approaching me with this opportunity, @opb for taking the chance on our Bigfoot perspectives and our entire team who made this happen. Thank you @acosia_ for taking on the role of Bigfoot, your contribution was the heart and soul of this project. Along with the perspectives of @toma_villa_haup , @weyiiletpu and uncle Carlos Calica. @theonewomansymphony answered the call to creating one of the most beautiful soundtracks. Feeling blessed and thankful for all of you for telling this powerful story. I will do my best to tag you all. So overwhelmed! THANK YOU! 😩🙏🏽
Cinematography by: @cameronpnielsen , @jessiesears and @kunu_music
Production sound by: @sonar155@bettyboomboom67
Edited by: @cameronpnielsen
Original Score by: @theonewomansymphony
Colorist: @michi_pea
Sound mix by: @yarknevets
#GuardianOfTheLand #Sasquatch #bigfoot #opb #emmys
Here are some stills captured today for an MMIP project with @critfc thank you @mishkashki@jillmariejillmarie and team for the wonderful work today. I was honored to work with all of you amazing women. Feels great to be working on this. 🔴🌹🔴 @bettyboomboom67 captured audio today as well 🎧🎼
Guardian of the Land is an official selection of the “We Are Home Film Festival”! This free screening is open to the public. *Details below following film description*
>> Guardian of the Land <<
Directed by LaRonn Katchia
Produced by @opb
Indigenous Peoples of the Nch’i-Wána, or Columbia River, know Bigfoot not as a monster but as a protector, a spiritual being that walks between the seen and unseen.
For thousands of years, oral histories of Bigfoot have been passed down as a knowledge system, rooting Pacific Northwest tribes in respect, reverence and relationship with the land. Amidst mainstream portrayals of Bigfoot, this film offers instead an Indigenous perspective on the world’s most famous cryptid—as a relative rather than myth.
Featuring the lived experiences of world champion jingle dancer Acosia Red Elk, artist Toma Villa, tribal council member Carlos Calica and anthropologist Phil Cash Cash.
Join us Thursday April 9th
6-8pm at Madras Performing Arts Center
Free tickets - reserve online bit.ly/wearehome2026
#guardianoftheland #opb #filmfestival #wearehomefilmfestival
Sharing some stills taken from the other day, featuring @reyayyy and Noreen Sampson. Filming a series of videos for the @highdesertmuseum ‘s new exhibit!
#anamorphic #blackmagic
Come see @opbphoto ‘s Guardian of the Land on @omsi ‘s Empirical theater FEB 25th at 6:00PM! The film will be featured during Omsi’s After Dark: Fantasy & Folklore event!
Grab your tickets now at:
Omsi.edu
#gotl #guardianoftheland #opb