Damon Waters, an Osage filmmaker and actor, discusses the impact of 'Killers of the Flower Moon' film, his upcoming documentary on Tall Chief Theater restoration. Efforts to restore the historic theater and revive Fairfax. Discussion on the portrayal of Osage people in 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and the need for more Osage-centric perspectives. Exploring the legacy of Molly and challenges faced by Fairfax. Childhood experiences, revitalization efforts, and navigating changing demographics.
The film 'Killers of the Flower Moon' has sparked conversation and brought attention to the painful history of the Osage murders, shedding light on issues of justice, representation, and healing.
Efforts to revitalize Fairfax, Oklahoma, including renovations of historic landmarks and cultural spaces, are underway, with the goal of honoring the town's history while looking towards a brighter future.
Deep dives
The History of the Osage Murders
The podcast episode discusses the real and painful history of the Osage murders that took place in Fairfax, Oklahoma. The Osage tribe, among the wealthiest people in the world due to oil reserves on their land, became the target of a conspiracy to steal their wealth through marriage and murder. The film 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' based on journalist David Grann's book, dramatizes this history and has sparked conversation about how this difficult past is being excavated and portrayed. Many Osage citizens have been involved in the film, either as actors or filmmakers, and have mixed reactions to its perspective. While the film brings attention to the story, some still have concerns about the portrayal and representation of the Osage viewpoint.
Revitalizing Fairfax, Oklahoma
The podcast episode explores efforts to revitalize Fairfax, Oklahoma, the town at the center of the Osage murders. The town, once booming with wealth and potential, has since fallen into disrepair and abandonment. The film 'Killers of the Flower Moon' has attracted tourists and attention to the town, sparking hopes of economic growth and rejuvenation. Various individuals, such as Joe and Carol Connor, are taking steps to make Fairfax a vibrant community again, including renovating the historic Tall Chief Theatre and creating cultural spaces. The goal is to honor the history of the town while looking toward a brighter future.
Balancing the History and Future
The podcast episode grapples with the question of how to hold onto a painful history while also moving forward to a better future. The Osage citizens of Fairfax are finding a balance between acknowledging the dark past of the Osage murders and using that history to inspire healing and growth. They want to ensure that the story is told accurately and sensitively, and that the town benefits from increased tourism and interest generated by the film. Efforts are underway to reclaim the history, revitalize the town, and create space for the Osage people to shape their own narrative.
The Impact of 'Killers of the Flower Moon'
The podcast episode explores the impact of the film 'Killers of the Flower Moon' on the Osage community and the wider population. It is acknowledged that the film brings attention to a little-known history and raises important conversations about justice, representation, and healing. While there are mixed reactions to the film's perspective and portrayal, the overall sentiment is that the story needed to be told and shared on a larger platform. The film has the potential to bring justice to the victims, revitalize the town of Fairfax, and ensure that the history of the Osage murders is not forgotten.
Killers of the Flower Moon, a new film directed by Martin Scorcese based on the bestselling book of the same name, tells the story of how greed and profound injustice took the lives of so many Osage. The film has helped people like Damon Waters, an Osage filmmaker and actor reconnect with his roots and imagine a different future for Fairfax, Okla., where the film takes place. Damon joins us to discuss the impact the film had on him and his upcoming documentary about the restoration of Tall Chief Theater.
We also hear from Allison Herrera, KOSU’s Indigenous affairs reporter, who brings us a note from Fairfax. We’ll meet Joe and Carol Conner and learn about their efforts to restore the historic Tall Chief Theater in downtown Fairfax. Joe, who is Osage, hopes that the attention brought by the film will get more people to invest money in Fairfax.
To learn more about the systemic issues that caused the murders of so many Osage, listen to more of Allison Herrera’s reporting for the podcast In Trust.
Tell us what you think. Instagram and X (Twitter):@noteswithkai. Email us atnotes@wnyc.org. Send us a voice message by recording yourself on your phone and emailing us, or going to Instagram and clicking on the link in our bio.
“Notes from America” airs live on Sunday evenings at 6pm ET. The podcast episodes are lightly edited from our live broadcasts. Tune into the show on Sunday nights via the stream onnotesfromamerica.org.
Tell us what you think. We're @noteswithkai on Instagram and X (Twitter). Email us at notes@wnyc.org. Send us a voice message by recording yourself on your phone and emailing us, or record one here.
Notes from America airs live on Sundays at 6 p.m. ET. The podcast episodes are lightly edited from our live broadcasts.
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