WINS SPECIAL JURY MENTION
FOR ACTRESS TAMARA PODEMSKI

Park City,UT–The feature film debut from Writer/Director Sterlin Harjo, FOUR SHEETS TO THE WIND, won a special jury mention for actress Tamara Podemski “for a fully realized physical and emotional turn” as an American Indian whose carefree lifestyle leads her to the brink of tragedy. Podemski, who plays “Miri Smallhill” in the film, had returned to Park City to accept the award.

The trembling actress thanked her director from the stage in a heartfelt speech which included a grateful nod to the Sundance Labs (where the film was workshopped) for having the courage to bring Harjo and the project into their fold.

“My work in FOUR SHEETS TO THE WIND is because of Sterlin Harjo”, said the Toronto-based actress. “He knew who Miri was so clearly and was able to guide me towards her. And Cody Lightning made my on-screen time so easy, so natural. It’s been a blessing to work with them both.”

Harjo, whose short film GOODNIGHT, IRENE won numerous awards on the festival circuit and also played the Sundance Film Festival, was equally praising of Podemski.

“I couldn’t be happier for her,” said Harjo. “I have always felt she is an extraordinary actress, and I was thrilled by her work in the film. To have her work celebrated and honored this way is wonderful.”

“We are so proud of Tamara,” added Producer Ted Kroeber (2007 Independent Spirit Award nominee for AMERICAN GUN). “We’re proud her striking acheivement in crafting Miri Smallhill has been recognized by the Sundance Film Festival jury.”

Shot entirely on location in Oklahoma, FOUR SHEETS TO THE WIND tells the story of Cufe Smallhill, a young Native American who looks for a future he can embrace after the death of his father. Ms. Podemski played Miri Smallhill, Cufe’s sister, who is experiencing a painful and destructive time in her life just as Cufe is trying to figure out his.