Turquoise Rose is a 2007 independent drama film co-written and directed by Holt Hamilton that takes place in the Navajo Nation. Turquoise Rose was filmed primarily in the Navajo Nation in Fort Defiance, Arizona, as well as in Phoenix, Arizona. The film is one of the only American films to feature an indigenous Native American lead role for an actress, played by Navajo actress Natasha Kaye Johnson.
Synopsis Turquoise "T" is in college in Phoenix and struggling at work as a photographer for a newspaper. She reluctantly agrees to stay with her grandmother on the Navajo reservation while she recovers from an illness. Over the summer she bonds deeply with her feisty and traditional grandmother in their rural homeland. Along the way she also gets to know the locals, including beginning a relationship with a handsome young artist named Harry, who has got personal issues of his own. Through many happy and sad memories, she gains a sense of purpose upon returning to the city and uses her skills in photography to make a change in her life, while honoring the experiences with her grandmother, with Harry by her side.
Cast Natasha Kaye Johnson as Turquoise "Rose" Roanhorse Deshava Apachee as Harry Bahe, Turquoise's love interest Ethel Begay as Masani, Turquoise's grandmother Rhonda Ray as Lillian Roanhorse, Turquoise's mother Bria Sherinian as Michelle, Turquoise's friend John Boomer as Sam Johnson Ernest "Ernie" David Tsosie III as Alvin Bahe Vincent Craig as Uncle Billy, Harry's uncle Katie Yazzie as Aunt Mary, Turquoise's aunt
Premiere The film held its world premiere at Navajo History Museum & Visitor Center located at the Navajo Nation capital Window Rock, Arizona.
Accolades Year Award Recipients Category Result 2007 American Indian Film Festival Natasha Kaye Johnson Best Actress Deshava Apachee Best Supporting Actor
See also Blue Gap Boy'z Pete & Cleo James and Ernie, a Navajo comedy duo
External links
Turquoise Rose – 32nd American Indian Film Festival Director's 'Rose' is about to bloom at Gallup Independent Film set to imitate art and life on the rez at Gallup Independent Brainstorming in Baghdad…The Story Behind the Story of “Turquoise Rose” at NativeVue Turquoise Rose Premieres in Window Rock, Arizona at NativeVue Movie With All Navajo Cast To Debut at Native Youth Magazine Turquoise Rose at Tempe at Native Youth Magazine Turquoise Rose (2007) at Yahoo! movies Manta