Post by Totems4jt on Jul 9, 2008 13:44:20 GMT -5
Jay Tavare
May 6, 05 - 8:46 PM For India...
India Asks...
Hi Jay,
I believe in reciprosity and through the site I feel I've learned so much about you. A little about me...I'm 32 years old and I'm a Scientist by trade (I hope to transition into teaching middle school Science by this Fall). I'm a Black Native-American Indian. My mother's side is Lenna-Lanape, Cherokee and Meherin Indian (not sure about the last one's spelling, just always heard it from grandma). I'm a Sagittarius - Fire Sign born on Nov. 22. I love Poetry, Ballet and Spirituality.
Now, my questions and comments for Jay - I saw Unbowed and it has now become one of my favorite Black Cinema pieces to hopefully add to my library one day along with 'Imitation of Life', 'Gone with the Wind' (which is my absolute favorite) and now 'Unbowed'. To me this movie broke down many barriers in a film, it was very cutting edge. The Native-American Indian/Negro love story was beautiful and for the many black/native-americans in America this showed us a possible piece of our history. This movie broke down the barrier of showing an Native-American as someone who loves and has the capacity to love and to go after the woman he loves! This was first time I saw an Indian man kiss ANY woman passionately! AND in a love scene!
What I'd like to know from you is what did you gain from this movie by bringing your spirit to it?
Did you ever know that by your doing this movie the impact it would have on people?
Who were your movie idols growing up and that may have influenced you to do your life's work?
This movie was made in 1999 and it seems to be picking up some recognition by black and white America now in 2005 (if they'd stop playing it at late hours and on obsure cable channels)which it is finally getting its due. May God continue to honor and order your footsteps.
Truly,
India ~ "Black Sky"
Jay Writes...
Hi India, hope you're well. Unbowed was much more than a movie to me. Before Unbowed I had worked on several big Hollywood features but never as an Indian, in fact I had refused to play the stereo typical roles that were being written mostly by non natives. When I read "Cleola and John" which was the original names, I knew that this was a role I needed to do and not because it was well written or the fact that I had experienced some of what Waka Mani goes through but the fact that it was an unspoken segment of American history and I knew I had to go back to my roots to find this character. I decided to go on a Vision Quest in the Grand Canyon and did as much research on Indians in boarding schools as I could and ultimately the way Nanci had positioned Unbowed as a non-profit film and helping so many along the way... everyone felt this was going to be something special. I am truly sorry that it did not make it to the big screen as I believe it could have surprised some folks, but it was a difficult subject matter to sell. It's ironic that it was released in the same year that I was in some of Hollywood's most high profile films as if God wanted all my work to hit the public at the same time! Unbowed was a return to the Indian ways for me and I now know that my work in Hollywood represents an entire nation and I have a responsibility to change the way Indians are thought of ... that is why you will never see me do the stoic and emotionless warrior. I love the classic epics such as "Spartacus" or "El Cid" and I was influence by so many great actors, the intensity of Yul Brynner or Bruce Lee, the wit and elegance of Cary Grant but ultimately I do not base my work on anyone I try to create a real person by doing what the Character would do both in behavior and life style. It is one of the reasons I love my job, I get to walk a thousand paths and take something from each of my roles. Unbowed is a testimony to the hard work by so many folks and I am humbled and touched that so many of you think of this movie with so much love. I do have over 3 hours of behind the scene that I have given to Nanci and maybe one day it will be on a special edition of the film.
JT>
____________________________________________________
Toosie
May 6th, 2005 - 8:58 PM Re: For India...
Jay - Hello!
It is so nice and generous of you to come on the board so often and answer our questions!
I would love to see the behind the scenes footage you did of Unbowed.
I never knew that American Indians were integrated into the African-American colleges until I saw this movie. I was completely blown away by the subject matter and the way that the African-Americans were portrayed as having some predujices against the American Indians.
You and all the other actors did an incredible job!
I really like how all the characters developed and grew by the end of the film.
Keep up the great work and know that you are honoring your heritage in the role model that you have become to so many people -- non American Indians as well!
____________________________________________________
Shygirl
May 6th, 2005 - 9:32 PM Re: For India...
Jay as always it is a pleasure to read your response. I would love to see your behind the scenes footage someday. I believe that we just have to be a little patient and just as most of us have gotten to see u on a show that is now cancelled, we will be able to see your footage one day,
Keeping the faith'
-Shygirl
____________________________________________________
Running Red Fox
May 7th, 2005 - 6:53 AM Re: For India...
Congratulations India...
Jay thank you for expressing what "Unbowed" meant to you and everyone involved in the film.
Unbowed also meant a great deal to alot of people out there because of the fact that the movie did hit home for many and touched on numerous deep routed issues.
I like the names in the "mah-PE-yah SAH-pah" aka "Black Sky" & "Waka Mani" much better.
Shine on Jay
____________________________________________________
Toosie
May 7th, 2005 - 7:26 AM Re: For India...
p.s. I was so pleased to see that Jay mentioned Cary Grant. Cary Grant has always been my ultimate Male fantasie! I actually thought that Jay reminded me a lot of Cary Grant!
____________________________________________________
Claire Valencia
May 7th, 2005 - 12:50 PM Re: For India...
India-good question and great response from Jay. This site is so rich with personal history and cultural enrichment-it inspired me to speed up the research on my Granny Dora-who was Chitimacha. I will tackle the Mohawk and Blackfeet ancestry next (got my work cut out for me).
Jay you were quite successful at bringing everything you hoped for to Waka Mani's character. For me, he broke the mold-didn't even come close to many of the stereotypes unjustly portrayed in the past.
Waka Mani was intelligent, proud/dignified, fearless-yet sensitive and not afraid to go after what he wanted (Cleola and freedom to be himself).
Not to mention- very sexy/sensual-which,as India mentioned, had not been shown enough in male Indian leads.
We are all looking forward to much, much, more Mr. Tavare! (smile)
C.V.
____________________________________________________
Shuandalyn
May 8th, 2005 - 6:17 AM Re: For India...
Great question India!
Jay, truly hope that Unbowed will be put on DVD one day!
___________________________________________________
India ~ \\\\"Black Sky\\\\"
May 9th, 2005 - 12:15 PM Re: For India...
Oh My God! my heart lept into my throat when i read 'For India'!!
I truly am thankful to you Jay for responding to my question...i waited patiently. i had been away from the forum and i want to say again Toosie i'm so sorry to hear about your mother. last weekend my close friend lost her baby on the baby's due date. this past friday was the funeral so i hadn't been on the forum in almost two weeks i think. and for a sec. over the wknd. i thought it would be nice if i had a reply by Jay that would truly make my week.
God answered my prayers.
God Bless ladies and love ya Jay!
____________________________________________________
Christi
May 9th, 2005 - 4:01 PM Re: For India...
Hi India,
It is very sad to here about your friends baby. I hope she will find peace and closure.
Congrats on receiving an answer from Jaby.
Christi
May 6, 05 - 8:46 PM For India...
India Asks...
Hi Jay,
I believe in reciprosity and through the site I feel I've learned so much about you. A little about me...I'm 32 years old and I'm a Scientist by trade (I hope to transition into teaching middle school Science by this Fall). I'm a Black Native-American Indian. My mother's side is Lenna-Lanape, Cherokee and Meherin Indian (not sure about the last one's spelling, just always heard it from grandma). I'm a Sagittarius - Fire Sign born on Nov. 22. I love Poetry, Ballet and Spirituality.
Now, my questions and comments for Jay - I saw Unbowed and it has now become one of my favorite Black Cinema pieces to hopefully add to my library one day along with 'Imitation of Life', 'Gone with the Wind' (which is my absolute favorite) and now 'Unbowed'. To me this movie broke down many barriers in a film, it was very cutting edge. The Native-American Indian/Negro love story was beautiful and for the many black/native-americans in America this showed us a possible piece of our history. This movie broke down the barrier of showing an Native-American as someone who loves and has the capacity to love and to go after the woman he loves! This was first time I saw an Indian man kiss ANY woman passionately! AND in a love scene!
What I'd like to know from you is what did you gain from this movie by bringing your spirit to it?
Did you ever know that by your doing this movie the impact it would have on people?
Who were your movie idols growing up and that may have influenced you to do your life's work?
This movie was made in 1999 and it seems to be picking up some recognition by black and white America now in 2005 (if they'd stop playing it at late hours and on obsure cable channels)which it is finally getting its due. May God continue to honor and order your footsteps.
Truly,
India ~ "Black Sky"
Jay Writes...
Hi India, hope you're well. Unbowed was much more than a movie to me. Before Unbowed I had worked on several big Hollywood features but never as an Indian, in fact I had refused to play the stereo typical roles that were being written mostly by non natives. When I read "Cleola and John" which was the original names, I knew that this was a role I needed to do and not because it was well written or the fact that I had experienced some of what Waka Mani goes through but the fact that it was an unspoken segment of American history and I knew I had to go back to my roots to find this character. I decided to go on a Vision Quest in the Grand Canyon and did as much research on Indians in boarding schools as I could and ultimately the way Nanci had positioned Unbowed as a non-profit film and helping so many along the way... everyone felt this was going to be something special. I am truly sorry that it did not make it to the big screen as I believe it could have surprised some folks, but it was a difficult subject matter to sell. It's ironic that it was released in the same year that I was in some of Hollywood's most high profile films as if God wanted all my work to hit the public at the same time! Unbowed was a return to the Indian ways for me and I now know that my work in Hollywood represents an entire nation and I have a responsibility to change the way Indians are thought of ... that is why you will never see me do the stoic and emotionless warrior. I love the classic epics such as "Spartacus" or "El Cid" and I was influence by so many great actors, the intensity of Yul Brynner or Bruce Lee, the wit and elegance of Cary Grant but ultimately I do not base my work on anyone I try to create a real person by doing what the Character would do both in behavior and life style. It is one of the reasons I love my job, I get to walk a thousand paths and take something from each of my roles. Unbowed is a testimony to the hard work by so many folks and I am humbled and touched that so many of you think of this movie with so much love. I do have over 3 hours of behind the scene that I have given to Nanci and maybe one day it will be on a special edition of the film.
JT>
____________________________________________________
Toosie
May 6th, 2005 - 8:58 PM Re: For India...
Jay - Hello!
It is so nice and generous of you to come on the board so often and answer our questions!
I would love to see the behind the scenes footage you did of Unbowed.
I never knew that American Indians were integrated into the African-American colleges until I saw this movie. I was completely blown away by the subject matter and the way that the African-Americans were portrayed as having some predujices against the American Indians.
You and all the other actors did an incredible job!
I really like how all the characters developed and grew by the end of the film.
Keep up the great work and know that you are honoring your heritage in the role model that you have become to so many people -- non American Indians as well!
____________________________________________________
Shygirl
May 6th, 2005 - 9:32 PM Re: For India...
Jay as always it is a pleasure to read your response. I would love to see your behind the scenes footage someday. I believe that we just have to be a little patient and just as most of us have gotten to see u on a show that is now cancelled, we will be able to see your footage one day,
Keeping the faith'
-Shygirl
____________________________________________________
Running Red Fox
May 7th, 2005 - 6:53 AM Re: For India...
Congratulations India...
Jay thank you for expressing what "Unbowed" meant to you and everyone involved in the film.
Unbowed also meant a great deal to alot of people out there because of the fact that the movie did hit home for many and touched on numerous deep routed issues.
I like the names in the "mah-PE-yah SAH-pah" aka "Black Sky" & "Waka Mani" much better.
Shine on Jay
____________________________________________________
Toosie
May 7th, 2005 - 7:26 AM Re: For India...
p.s. I was so pleased to see that Jay mentioned Cary Grant. Cary Grant has always been my ultimate Male fantasie! I actually thought that Jay reminded me a lot of Cary Grant!
____________________________________________________
Claire Valencia
May 7th, 2005 - 12:50 PM Re: For India...
India-good question and great response from Jay. This site is so rich with personal history and cultural enrichment-it inspired me to speed up the research on my Granny Dora-who was Chitimacha. I will tackle the Mohawk and Blackfeet ancestry next (got my work cut out for me).
Jay you were quite successful at bringing everything you hoped for to Waka Mani's character. For me, he broke the mold-didn't even come close to many of the stereotypes unjustly portrayed in the past.
Waka Mani was intelligent, proud/dignified, fearless-yet sensitive and not afraid to go after what he wanted (Cleola and freedom to be himself).
Not to mention- very sexy/sensual-which,as India mentioned, had not been shown enough in male Indian leads.
We are all looking forward to much, much, more Mr. Tavare! (smile)
C.V.
____________________________________________________
Shuandalyn
May 8th, 2005 - 6:17 AM Re: For India...
Great question India!
Jay, truly hope that Unbowed will be put on DVD one day!
___________________________________________________
India ~ \\\\"Black Sky\\\\"
May 9th, 2005 - 12:15 PM Re: For India...
Oh My God! my heart lept into my throat when i read 'For India'!!
I truly am thankful to you Jay for responding to my question...i waited patiently. i had been away from the forum and i want to say again Toosie i'm so sorry to hear about your mother. last weekend my close friend lost her baby on the baby's due date. this past friday was the funeral so i hadn't been on the forum in almost two weeks i think. and for a sec. over the wknd. i thought it would be nice if i had a reply by Jay that would truly make my week.
God answered my prayers.
God Bless ladies and love ya Jay!
____________________________________________________
Christi
May 9th, 2005 - 4:01 PM Re: For India...
Hi India,
It is very sad to here about your friends baby. I hope she will find peace and closure.
Congrats on receiving an answer from Jaby.
Christi