Turquoise Rose is a 2007 independent drama film co-written and directed by Holt Hamilton that takes place on the Navajo Nation. Turquoise Rose was filmed primarily on the Navajo Nation in Fort Defiance, Arizona, as well as in Phoenix, Arizona. The film is one of the only American films to feature an indigenous Native American lead role for an actress, played by Navajo actress Johnson.
| Turquoise Rose | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Holt Hamilton |
| Produced by | Holt Hamilton Jake Johnson Julius C. Tulley |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Holt Hamilton |
| Edited by | Derek Natzke |
| Music by | Casey Dooley Until August Stateline Guilty Wilson |
| Distributed by | Holt Hamilton Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 94 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Languages | English Navajo |
| Budget | $150,000 |
Turquoise "T" is in college in Phoenix and struggling at work as a photographer for a newspaper. She reluctantly agrees to stay with her grandmother on the Navajo reservation while she recovers from an illness. Over the summer she bonds deeply with her feisty and traditional grandmother in their rural homeland. Along the way she also gets to know the locals, including beginning a relationship with a handsome young artist named Harry, who's got personal issues of his own. Through many happy and sad memories, she gains a sense of purpose upon returning to the city and uses her skills in photography to make a change in her life, while honoring the experiences with her grandmother, with Harry by her side.
The film held its world premiere at Navajo History Museum & Visitor Center located at the Navajo Nation capital Window Rock, Arizona.
| Year | Award | Recipients | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | American Indian Film Festival | Natasha Kaye Johnson | Best Actress | Nominated |
| Deshava Apachee | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated |