Cambridge, Wis., April 19, 2024 – Minnesota-based Producer Anne Marie Gillen (Fried Green Tomatoes, Under Suspicion) has announced today that Perodigm Films founder and award-winning film producer Rob Pero is named Creative Director of her next film, The 7th. The 7th is a coming-of-age, sci-fi, action-adventure that addresses the climate crisis. Native ecological knowledge complements advanced atmospheric technology to restore the earth’s biodiversity. The 7th earned the title of Official Selection at The Redford Center/NBCUniversal Hollywood Climate Summit Pitchfest 2024.
The plot is led by Piper, the 14-year-old daughter of a world renowned climate scientist. When Piper discovers a trove of messages from her late Lakota mom, she heads out on a treacherous journey to the heart of the Black Hills, where her grandparents have been hiding and protecting preserved DNA that can restore biodiversity and rewild the planet – but a rogue federal agent is hot on her trail.
Cutting-edge science is portrayed in Piper’s dad’s storyline as he initiates a global launch that will clean the skies. This launch is based on an approved 2023 patent that is in early-stage development. The patent details how atmospheric CO2 is converted into water, oxygen and carbohydrates using photosynthesis.
“We’re excited to bring a story of Indigenous ecological history to life, told with an authentic Indigenous voice,” says Pero, who is a proud member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. “The climate crisis may not be solved by nanotechnology like portrayed in the movie, but it will require us as a diverse community to begin to reframe our thinking about the environment back to a way more aligned with traditional Native cultures. This is a coming-of- age movie that will speak to all communities.”
Anne Marie Gillen and writer, Donna E. Jason (Co-Founders of SIFT Media) consider this project a ‘Rainbow Bridge’ – a collaborative film production that will create a healing connection between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. “This is the first project from our newly formed SIFT Media ,” states Anne Marie Gillen. “Our mission is to develop and produce impactful, protopian, and entertaining narratives for audiences worldwide that can be a call to action with hope.”
The film will be produced with a unique commitment to the environment, with 1% of total profits donated to preserving the planet. The team has collaborated with world renowned climate scientists to ensure an accurate portrayal of the future and the potential to restore the environment and rewild the planet. The film production is committed to running a green set, to hosting environmental and cultural sensitivity training for the film crew, to offering workforce
development for tribal members and to respecting the land and communities in each of the film’s locations.
The producer is Anne Marie Gillen. Co-producers are Donna E. Jason and Keren Green. Executive producers are John B. MacDonald and lead scientist Lee Frelich. Co-executive producer is Rob Hofmann. Native American consulting producer is Tokala Black Elk. Co-counsel and Native American advisor is Stacey Thunder. Co-counsel is Aaron C. Young.
About SIFT Media (Social Impact Film and Television)
SIFT: to separate what is useful and essential from what is not.
SIFT Media is a public charity with a mission to develop and produce impactful, protopian, and entertaining narratives for audiences worldwide, primarily in film and television. Our stories and themes reflect equality and inclusion as well as environmental and climate justice. By sifting through the myths that divide us and bringing to light what connects us, we partner with like- hearted collaborators, so our projects build bridges, ignite change, and offer solutions for humanity and the planet.
About Perodigm Films
Led by Rob Pero (Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians), Perodigm Films is the film-focused arm of Perodigm Media, a Wisconsin-based creative marketing and consulting company. With an unconventional approach and unique perspective, Perodigm builds strategic marketing campaigns, produces and directs films and documentaries, and provides diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting services. We strive, both professionally and personally, to do things, as the Ojibwe say, “in a good way”. Find out more about us online at perodigm.com.
