Champion Hoop Dancer turned Filmmaker, Eric Hernandez's brings his story to the short film COURAGE

My guest today is filmmaker Eric Hernandez. He is a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe, is an esteemed Native American hoop dancer with over 20 years of experience. Mentored by Terry Goedel, Eric's skills took center stage as the lead in Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM, touring over 17 countries. 

A recent TEDx speaker, his mission is to challenge stereotypes and spread ancestral wisdom about Native Americans through the art of hoop dance. 

Now, Eric brings his story to the screen as the writer and director of COURAGE, a powerful short film inspired by his real-life journey of learning hoop dance from his Uncle Terry. 

Courage is a tribute to the strength of cultural storytelling and the importance of reclaiming identity through tradition.

Ladies and gentlemen, COURAGE is about a young Native American boy who struggles with self-confidence and societal expectations, his uncle re-introduces him to the transformative art of Hoop Dance. Through this tradition, he discovers strength, resilience, and the courage to embrace his heritage. 

This short film is inspired by true events, Courage is a heartfelt story about identity and empowerment. 

You don’t have to be Native American to enjoy this powerful short film. We all need to be encourage and to see the light that truly shines in all of us. The film COURAGE does all that and more. 

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