By Blood

By Blood is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the tumultuous past of racial politics in North American history, focusing particularly on the intersection between African American and Native American communities. Released in 2015, the film tells an intricate story of identity, blood quantum, racial purity, and the quest for belonging.

Directed by Marcos Barbery and Sam Russell, the film follows the saga of two African American siblings, Marilyn Vann and LeEtta Osborne-Sampson, on their challenging quest to gain official recognition as part of the Cherokee Nation. They represent the Freedmen descendants - former slaves of the Cherokee Nation who are fighting for acknowledgment of their heritage and, consequently, for the rights that come with tribal citizenship.

In By Blood, the directors investigate this often overlooked chapter in American history, focusing on the continuing effects of slavery and systemic racial discrimination. They delve deeply into the archives and trace a complex narrative that has been weaved throughout centuries, from the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation during the infamous Trail of Tears to present-day debates about who can claim Native American identity.

The film expertly combines historical records and heartfelt personal narratives, accompanied by succinct yet potent socio-political commentary. Central to this tale is the acknowledgment of the Freedmen, whose African ancestors were, in fact, some of the original members of the Cherokee tribe, as their existence traces back to before the American Civil War. Through this struggle, the film does not only recount their fight for recognition but it also simultaneously raises questions of racial identity, heritage, and belonging.

By Blood also delves into the complicated legal issue of blood quantum, a controversial method of determining Native American identity, which uses 'Indian blood' as a way to classify individuals. It presents a significant question on how the idea of 'blood quantum' pertains to the Freedmen descendants and how it erodes their claim to their Cherokee heritage, thus, further complicating their struggle for acknowledgment.

Marilyn Vann is a powerful voice in the documentary. As President of the Descendants of Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes Association, Marilyn is strongly motivated to fight not only for herself but for the collective rights of Freedmen descendants. The film highlights her journey as she battles cultural and political resistance, which is further compounded by discrimination and racial prejudices.

Parallel to this is the struggle of LeEtta Osborne-Sampson, a councilor of the Seminole Nation who is fighting for her rights and her people's recognition within her tribe. It's an emotional and complex journey that adds weight to the broader topic discussed in the film about the racial divisions within communities that are marginalized themselves.

The filmmakers do an exceptional job in communicating a sometimes uncomfortable and challenging narrative, offering personal stories against a backdrop of broader socio-political issues. By Blood is not only a historical documentary; its relevance is felt in today's ongoing conversations about race, authenticity, and identity.

The photography and editing are kept modest, never overpowering the narrative but sensitively bolstering it instead. Simultaneously, the film’s excellent pacing ensures that each historical event and personal story is given enough time to unfold, providing viewers with ample information and context.

By Blood also features a cast of experts who bring their insights and expertise on the Freedmen's struggle, enhancing the documentary's authority and knowledge base. These range from historians to legal experts, from tribal leaders to advocates, each of whom lends their voice towards a multifaceted exploration of the topic.

With their documentary, Barbery and Russell document an untold chapter of American history and foster dialogue about the ongoing effects of racial discrimination. By Blood is deeply sobering, stoking in viewers a profound reflection about the complex relationship between race, heritage, and identity.