Native Media Theory is the YouTube channel of Latter-day Saint and Navajo (Diné) filmmaker, Elias Gold. His articulate and insightful videos, with just the right dash of ranting, offer indigenous perspectives on movies, television, video games, and social media. And he’s just dang fun to watch and learn from. He’s reviewed films and TV shows like Antlers, Reservation Dogs, and Dark Winds, and covered subjects like Native American tropes in horror films and what Native Americans think about Disney’s depiction of Pocahontas.

From the day I met Elias in the screenwriting class I teach at BYU, I knew he was going somewhere. After he took my directing class, the verdict was in: He is witty, smart, and talented. He beautifully owns his indigenous heritage yet doesn’t take himself too seriously. He’s also charitable: never taking others to task when they make a misstep in today’s landmine-laden fields of race relations. 

Since graduation, we've stayed in touch, and recently he texted to say that after posting a reaction video and analysis to the trailer for Prey, the new sci-fi action horror prequel from the Predator universe, director Dan Trachtenberg reached out: “Your video on our film was so thoughtful and well put together…. Amber [Midthunder, the lead] and I were ecstatic over it! I can’t wait for you to see the film!!” Trachtenberg then set up a private screening for Elias, and Disney arranged for Elias to interview stars Amber Midthunder and Dakota Beavers. This is how he rolls.

I’m sure that won’t be the last time this happens. Nor will I be surprised to see Elias making his own intelligent, perceptive films about the indigenous experience in America, and more. The way I see it, he just might be America’s answer to Taika Waititi.—Jeff Parkin (Check out the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmWxbdV23kfbR8twYoU4tQQ/videos.)