Living on the Morongo Reservation near Palm Springs is a middle-aged Native American named Fred “Three Feathers” Toro. Fred exists at the crossroads of life between the traditional ways of American Indians and modern mainstream America.

Recently turned sober after a life of heavy drinking, and making use of newly found wealth afforded him by the success of the reservation’s casino, Fred is presently undertaking the task of transforming his home from the shanty trailer of his youth to a multi-leveled suburban haven. This is more than a mere lifestyle improvement for Fred: currently engaged in a tough custody battle with his wife over their two daughters, he hopes to demonstrate to the court by this grand project that he is the more suitable parent.

At the same time, Fred continues to maintain his Indian roots by observing the traditional ways, and by participating in Pow-Wows, for which he dresses up in colorful regalia and dances. Three Feathers will chronicle Fred’s life over an extended period of time, both as a way of exploring issues faced by modern Native Americans and as a fascinating character study in its own right.



Producer/Director/Photography: Colin Stryker