A Portrait of Growing Pains: Exploring Morrisa Maltz's Jazzy
“It makes my heart happy to see our young people witness this long tradition.” These heartfelt words from Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux, the star of Jazzy, encapsulate the emotional resonance of Morrisa Maltz's latest coming-of-age film. Premiering at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, Jazzy is an intimate exploration of childhood and independence, steeped in cultural authenticity and the bittersweetness of growing up. Following her critically acclaimed The Unknown Country, Maltz returns with a film that not only tells a personal story but also shines a spotlight on the Oglala Lakota community.
A Story Rooted in Identity and Change
At its heart, Jazzy centers on Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux, a young Oglala Lakota girl navigating life in Spearfish, South Dakota, between the ages of six and twelve. The plot unfolds with a tender simplicity: when Jasmine's best friend Syriah Foohead Means moves away, Jasmine begins to grapple with feelings of loss, self-discovery, and the inevitable transition into adolescence. These small, universal moments are amplified by their cultural specificity, bringing the audience into the world of the Lakota people.
Maltz's direction draws on her signature style—quietly observational and deeply humanistic. The cast, led by the real-life Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux, brings an authenticity rarely seen in cinema. The supporting ensemble, including Syriah Foohead Means, Richard Ray Whitman, Raymond Lee, and Oscar-nominee Lily Gladstone, rounds out a cast that feels as genuine as the story it portrays.
A Cinematic Tapestry
Maltz weaves Jazzy with an intricate balance of joy and pain, bolstered by a vibrant soundtrack that mirrors the shifting emotional landscape of childhood. Reviews from its festival run highlight the film's ability to encapsulate the energy of youth while not shying away from its darker undercurrents. The dreamlike visuals of South Dakota's sweeping plains serve as both a backdrop and metaphor, reflecting Jasmine's inner world—a blend of freedom and isolation.
Critics have noted how the film's pacing mirrors the rhythm of life itself. The seemingly small moments—sharing secrets with a best friend, watching the horizon with wonder—carry profound weight. Each scene feels like a snapshot, capturing not just a memory but a piece of Jasmine's identity.
A Powerful Cast Anchored by Lily Gladstone
Fresh off her Oscar-nominated turn in Killers of the Flower Moon, Lily Gladstone delivers yet another nuanced performance in Jazzy. Her presence as an elder in the community adds gravitas, grounding the film in intergenerational wisdom. Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux's natural performance, however, is the film's beating heart. Watching her navigate the joys and heartbreaks of growing up feels less like observing an actor and more like witnessing life itself.
Behind the Scenes: A Collaborative Vision
The creative team behind Jazzy deserves applause for its dedication to cultural authenticity. Co-written by Morrisa Maltz, Lainey Bearkiller Shangreaux, Vanara Taing, and Andrew Hajek, the script is a collaborative effort steeped in lived experiences. The film's producers—Miranda Bailey, Natalie Whalen, and Lainey Bearkiller Shangreaux—ensure that the Lakota perspective remains central to the narrative. This commitment to representation elevates Jazzy beyond a typical coming-of-age story, making it a cultural milestone.
Personal Impressions
Watching Jazzy feels like stepping into someone else's memories, tinged with both nostalgia and melancholy. What struck me most was its honesty—how it captures the universal experience of growing up while staying rooted in a specific cultural context. The performances are raw and unpolished, in the best way, making every interaction feel achingly real. While the film is rich with cultural significance, it never feels didactic; instead, it invites viewers to see the world through Jasmine's eyes, creating a connection that lingers long after the credits roll.
What are your thoughts on the growing prominence of authentic indigenous storytelling in film? Do you think Jazzy could set a new standard for representation in Hollywood? Let us know in the comments!
