MJ & Joanelle Romero: From Support to Inspiration

Michael Jackson became a powerful force in helping bring Joanelle Romero’s production company, Red Nation Films, to a global audience. What began as a Native Indigenous-led production company has grown into an award-winning force in documentary and independent filmmaking, producing stories that center Native and Indigenous voices, cultures, histories, and contemporary experiences.

Today, Red Nation Films continues its mission of bringing Native and Indigenous stories to audiences around the world.

Who Tells The Story Matters

The story of how MJ called my house for B/W Video.

Sixth Grade to Forever: The Story Never Told ....Until Now

Black or White Short Film, (Music Video)

Joanelle Romero is responsible for the dancers on Michael Jackson’s ‘Black or White’ short film (music video). The 1991 “Black or White” music video and song made history. Joanelle negotiated for the American Indian dancers to be paid over and above any dancers on any music video ever, due to the fact they were traditionally dressed (the wardrobe did not come from western costume). To date, they are the highest paid dancers in the music video industry. This segment (Black or White) was the first clip of American Indian dancers in a music video without being a Native American music group/artist.

From The Archives

Every Picture Tells A Story

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