Ella Apekum
Actor
About Ella Apekum
Ella Apekum was a Native American actress who appeared in the 1920 silent film 'The Daughter of Dawn,' one of the earliest films to feature an all-Native American cast. She was recruited from the local Comanche and Kiowa communities in Oklahoma to participate in this groundbreaking production that was filmed entirely on location in the Wichita Mountains. Like many of her fellow cast members, Apekum was not a professional actress but rather a tribal member who brought authentic cultural representation to the screen. The film, directed by Norbert Myles, was produced by the Texas Film Company and showcased traditional Native American life, customs, and stories. Her participation in this production represented a rare opportunity for indigenous people to portray themselves on screen during an era when white actors typically played Native American roles in 'redface.' After the completion of 'The Daughter of Dawn,' Apekum appears to have returned to her community, as there are no records of her involvement in subsequent film productions. The film itself was considered lost for nearly 90 years before being discovered and restored in the 21st century, bringing renewed attention to its pioneering cast.
The Craft
On Screen
Naturalistic and authentic performance drawing from real cultural experience and tradition
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Daughter of Dawn' (1920), one of the first films with an all-Native American cast
- Participated in a groundbreaking production that featured authentic indigenous representation
- Contributed to early cinema history during the silent era
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Ella Apekum contributed to a significant milestone in early cinema history through her participation in 'The Daughter of Dawn,' which represented one of the first times Native Americans were allowed to portray themselves authentically on screen rather than being played by white actors in makeup. This film challenged the prevailing Hollywood stereotypes and offered audiences a genuine glimpse into indigenous culture, traditions, and daily life. Her involvement, along with other tribal members, helped pave the way for more authentic representation of Native Americans in cinema, though progress would remain slow for decades to come. The film's rediscovery and restoration in the 21st century has brought renewed appreciation for these pioneering indigenous performers who risked cultural exposure to participate in early filmmaking.
Lasting Legacy
Ella Apekum's legacy lies in her participation in a historically significant film that has been recognized by the National Film Registry for its cultural importance. While she may not have had an extensive film career, her contribution to 'The Daughter of Dawn' represents an important chapter in the history of Native American representation in cinema. The film serves as a valuable time capsule of indigenous culture from the early 20th century, and performers like Apekum helped preserve aspects of their heritage through this medium. Her story also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Native American actors in early Hollywood, many of whom were never properly credited or documented in film industry records.
Who They Inspired
As one of the early Native American performers in cinema, Ella Apekum helped establish a precedent for authentic indigenous representation that would influence future generations of Native American actors and filmmakers. Her participation in 'The Daughter of Dawn' demonstrated the value of having indigenous people portray their own stories and culture, a principle that would become increasingly important in later decades of filmmaking. While her direct influence on subsequent performers may be difficult to trace due to limited documentation, she was part of a pioneering group that challenged Hollywood's exclusionary practices and opened doors for greater diversity in casting.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Ella Apekum's personal life, as was common for many Native American performers in early cinema who were not professional actors but community members recruited for specific productions.
Did You Know?
- 'The Daughter of Dawn' was filmed entirely on location in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma
- The film featured an all-Native American cast recruited from local Comanche and Kiowa tribes
- Many cast members, including likely Ella Apekum, were not professional actors but community members
- The film was considered lost for nearly 90 years before being discovered in a private collection
- In 2013, 'The Daughter of Dawn' was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry
- The film's intertitles were written by Comanche leader and actor White Parker
- Production took place in the summer of 1920 with the full cooperation of local tribes
- The film showcased traditional buffalo hunting scenes, dances, and tribal customs
- No professional stunt doubles were used - tribal members performed their own riding and action sequences
- The film's budget was approximately $30,000, a modest sum even for 1920
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ella Apekum?
Ella Apekum was a Native American actress who appeared in the 1920 silent film 'The Daughter of Dawn,' one of the earliest films to feature an all-Native American cast. She was likely a member of the Comanche or Kiowa tribe from Oklahoma who was recruited for this groundbreaking production.
What films is Ella Apekum best known for?
Ella Apekum is known only for her appearance in 'The Daughter of Dawn' (1920), a historically significant silent film that featured authentic Native American casting and storytelling. This appears to be her only film credit.
When was Ella Apekum born and when did she die?
Specific birth and death dates for Ella Apekum are not documented in historical records, which was common for many Native American performers in early cinema who were not professional actors but community members recruited for specific productions.
What awards did Ella Apekum win?
Ella Apekum did not receive any individual awards or recognition during her lifetime. However, the film she appeared in, 'The Daughter of Dawn,' was later selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2013 for its cultural significance.
What was Ella Apekum's acting style?
Like other cast members in 'The Daughter of Dawn,' Ella Apekum's acting style was likely naturalistic and authentic, drawing from real cultural experience rather than formal training. The film emphasized genuine representation of Native American life and customs rather than theatrical performance.
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Films
1 film
