As part of an extraordinary initiative to celebrate and preserve the Mvskoke language, the film “HESAYECV” (The Savior) was showcased Thursday and the last day of showing is today, Friday at 2 p.m. at the College of the Muscogee Nation inside the STEM Building. This screening marks a significant cultural milestone as it is the first film ever dubbed in the Mvskoke language.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jennifer Barnett Ed.D, the associate producer of “HESAYECV,” about the development and significance of this groundbreaking project.

— The Inspiration Behind the Film

The film’s journey began with Dr. Barnett’s father, the late Reverend Bill Barnett, whose dream was to see a film about Jesus translated into Mvskoke. Despite his initial struggles to gain traction, a chance meeting with Chris Forbes from Geo-Link Films changed everything. GeoLink had already produced “The Savior,” a film about Christ filmed in the Holy Land, and dubbed it into multiple languages worldwide.

“My father met Chris Forbes, who had been working on dubbing ‘The Savior’ into various languages. My father expressed his desire to see the film in Mvskoke, and together, they began this journey,” Dr. Barnett shared. A dedicated team, including Dr. Barnett’s father, her uncle Jackson Barnett, Harris Kohli, and others, translated the script, laying the foundation for what was to come.

— Challenges & Triumphs in Language Translation

Translating the film was no small feat. “Muskogee is a descriptive language” Dr. Barnett explained. The initial translation team worked diligently, but as they moved to the dubbing phase, more help was needed. Edwin Marshall, an expert in Mvskoke language preservation, stepped in to coach voice actors and refine the script further.

“Edwin was instrumental, not just in translation but in coaching the actors to ensure their delivery was emotive and authentic,” Dr. Barnett noted. This collaborative effort was crucial in overcoming the challenges of dubbing the film while preserving its cultural integrity.

— Impact on Language Revitalization

The film’s impact extends beyond entertainment; it plays a significant role in language revitalization. “Having elders translate the script into contemporary Mvskoke ensures that the language remains alive and relevant,” Dr. Barnett emphasized. The project also provided a platform for younger speakers to engage with the language in a meaningful context, thus fostering a deeper connection to their heritage.

— A Tool for Cultural Preservation The film is not just a cinematic experience but a cultural tool. Dr. Barnett highlighted the addition of traditional elements like Native flute music to the soundtrack, enhancing the cultural authenticity of the film. “These subtle touches make a significant impact, allowing viewers to connect with their culture on a deeper level,” she said.

— Community and Future Projects Dr. Barnett expressed hope that “HESAYECV” will inspire the creation of similar projects with other tribal nations. “We also want to use that maybe as some sort of template for future projects. Muskogee is the first North American indigenous language for this film to be dubbed into, but we want to be the first of many,” she stated. The film has already received powerful feedback, with viewers expressing profound emotional connections upon hearing their native language spoken on screen.

— Invitation to the Community Even though “HESAYECV” made its debut, Saturday June 15, Dr. Barnett invites everyone to join the screenings. “It’s an experience that I hope will inspire and resonate with everyone who sees it,” she concluded.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness a historic cultural achievement while supporting the revitalization of the Mvskoke language.