When the world learned that Kobe Bryant (his daughter and friends included) had died in a tragic helicopter accident, it felt as if everything stopped. Whether you were a fan of the Lakers superstar or not, the news seemed too unfathomable to be true. How could someone so important and inspirational be claimed by a tragedy like this? The only grace that could be found in the aftermath was seeing how the world came together to celebrate his legacy and honor his life. Echoing this pattern of heroes gone too soon is the Native American basketball prodigy SuAnne Big Crow, whose unexpected passing brought a community together and new importance to the sport of basketball.
In cooperation with the Great Lakota Nation, director Kris Kaczor brings the untold story of SuAnne’s legacy to a wider audience in the documentary Big Crow. In the ’80s, SuAnne was a local legend in her hometown of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. SuAnne had plenty of impressive stats, including scoring 67 points in a single game and making a buzzer-beating shot to win the championship. But she was more than just a hero on the court. As the film shows, SuAnne used basketball to share a message of peace and love.
SuAnne was a vocal proponent of preserving her Lakota culture and community. Regarded as one of the poorest communities in the US, basketball was seen as a way out of poverty, substance abuse, and limiting potential. With her athletic skill, SuAnne served as a beacon of hope and possibility for all. Her star was only rising when she unexpectedly died in a car accident–tragically enough, as she was on route to a basketball event. It was devastating for all who knew her but through their tears, the community found solace in the sentiment that “The most powerful thing a leader can do for their people is give their life.”
Director Kris Kaczor (who also acts as an additional camera person and the film’s composer) tells a comprehensive and compelling story by sharing SuAnne’s life with audiences. Big Crow gives a fascinating explanation of the history of the tribe from community elders and the Big Crow family, including descendants of tribe leader Crazy Horse. As we learn, the story of the Lakota people is one of struggle. Despite being poor in possessions, however, they are rich in their culture’s legacy.
“There is so much talent in Indian athletes but they don’t get recognized,” says one of SuAnne’s former friends. Big Crow is not only an homage to a proud Lakota woman but also an inspirational story, proving that those who dare to dream big can change the world, no matter where you come from.
‘Big Crow’ is currently awaiting distribution. For more information, visit https://www.bigcrowfilm.com/
