Halsey, Paul Walter Hauser, Eric Dane, and Zahn McClarnon all appear in the movie.
According to Deadline, Tony Tost’s first time directing a movie, previously known as “National Anthem,” will have its global premiere at the upcoming SXSW event. The film, now titled “Americana,” will be showcased on March 17 at the Paramount Theatre in the Narrative Spotlight category. The story is a darkly humorous crime thriller that tracks a disparate group of heroes and villains as they search for a fabled Lakota Native American artifact, the revered Ghost Shirt, which has ties to the complex history of the American West.
The Ghost Shirt became well-known for its involvement in the Battle of Wounded Knee, where the Lakota people believed that wearing it would render them impervious to bullets fired by white settlers. Regrettably, this did not occur as planned, and many Lakota warriors lost their lives during the conflict.
The movie centers on the motivations of the individuals searching for the legendary Ghost Shirt, whether it’s for financial gain, personal motives, or the goal of returning it to its rightful place. Tony Tost expressed enthusiasm for the project and his desire to present a modern take on rural America that respects and revises Western myths. The film features Marcus RedThunder, a Native American activist who provided guidance on previous works such as Longmire and Hostiles, as a consultant. The production was filmed on-site with the assistance of the New Mexico Film Office.
Americana Cast and Characters
The film boasts a talented ensemble cast that includes Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, Eric Dane, Zahn McClarnon, Gavin Maddox Bergman, Simon Rex, Derek Hinkey, Toby Huss, and Harriet Sansom Harris. The production also marks the acting debut of Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Halsey.
The movie’s technical elements are handled by renowned industry professionals such as cinematographer Nigel Bluck (known for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent), production designer Russell Barnes (famous for Captain Fantastic), costume designer Jillian Bundrick (known for Reservation Dogs), editor Peter McNulty (famous for Hotel Mumbai), and composer David Fleming (known for The Last of Us). Tony Tost is directing the film based on his own screenplay.
The film was produced by Alex Saks for Page Fifty-Four Pictures in collaboration with Aaron L. Gilbert of Bron Studios. Creative Wealth Media is also involved in the production, with Jason Cloth serving as executive producer.