Independent film, “No Blood of Mine” holds screening in Northland

The film is set in Duluth

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – An independent film set and shot in Duluth has made its Northland debut. A screening of the film was held in Hermantown on Monday, featuring the film “No Blood of Mine,” a murder mystery set right here in the twin ports.

“I just love the town. It’s so picturesque,” writer and director Wesley Ellenwood said. “Plus about a quarter of the cast and crew are from the Twin Ports. SO they didn’t have to travel like everybody else.”

The film features a Native American actor playing the lead role. The crew says that having that representation on the big screen is an important step towards seeing more diversity in the movie industry.

“It’s really important for us to be visible,” film promoter Christal Moose said. “To get our education, to learn as much as we can, and be a presence – a strong presence. Because this is who we are.”

“Native Americans also can play lead roles and principle roles,” lead actor Larry Yazzie said. “We’re not just Indian #3 in cowboys and Indians anymore. We’re mainstream. We can act. We can do just about anything a major actor can do in Hollywood.”

The screening of the film was sold out.