Finding Home in FRYBREADFACE AND ME with Filmmaker Billy Luther (Ep. 61)

Historical Drama with The Boston Sisters

In this podcast The Boston Sisters are talking with filmmaker Billy Luther (Navajo, Hopi, Laguna Pueblo) about his 2023 feature film FRYBREAD FACE AND ME (available on Netflix). The conversation highlights the film's themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage, and the impact of executive producer Taika Waititi. The conversation also touches on Luther's upcoming TV series adaptation of his 2007 documentary MISS NAVAJO.

Set in 1990 FRYBREAD FACE AND ME follows 11-year-old Benny from San Diego, and his precocious cousin Dawn (aka Frybread Face) as they bond during a summer with their Diné-speaking grandmother at her ranch on the Navajo reservation in Arizona. It’s a transformative summer for Benny and Dawn who are learning more about their family’s past, their culture, and themselves.

0:01 Introduction and Overview of Podcast

2:43 Billy Luther's Filmography and Career Journey

9:52 Inspiration and Development of FRYBREAD FACE AND ME

13:56 Character Development and Themes in FRYBREAD FACE AND ME

29:17 Cultural Significance and Identity in Native American Communities

36:19 Casting and Working with Young Actors (Benny Tallman, Charley Hogan)

44:09 Impact of Executive Producer Taika Waititi

52:33 Adapting MISS NAVAJO for Television

58:14 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

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