“Make your own opportunity is my motto,” says Lawrence, whose multi-faceted career includes published articles, leading a major Orange County scooter rally and background work in film/TV. “I have a passion to highlight Native creativity and ingenuity without talking about tragedy.”
This project is very personal for Lawrence. “As a matriarchal woman, being the first to do anything is in my DNA.” She now hopes her film can make history as well by having Lawrence become the first actual Native American woman to receive an Oscar for a documentary.
Lawrence collaborated with trusted Scottish friends who assisted with editing over their years-long relationship. She knows this production faced challenges, including the lack of an iconic national Native costume and bigoted views that overlook Natives’ work. However, Lawrence finds inspiration from rising Native fashion houses. “Any ribbon skirts must be made by true native American sewers. I am proud of their success.”
This film is dedicated to Lawrence’s late husband, who fully supported her vision before sadly passing away this last year. “In honor of my heritage and with the loss of my husband I have to keep going on since he can’t be here.”
Now, after even facing periods of homelessness, Lawrence has successfully entered AMERICAN HAUTE COUTURE into a major upcoming film festival taking place in the Netherlands this April 2024. This could be her chance to finally receive Oscar recognition for her directing as the first actual Native American woman documentarian.
When asked to describe herself, Monica Lawrence simply says “director, widow, real Native, first-time documentarian, SAG-AFTRA member, and background performer.” But this groundbreaking film makes clear she is also an inspiration and pioneer for Native artists and women everywhere as she chases her dreams.
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