Did you know that the US Government made a promise to Native Americans
over 100 years ago to manage the royalties from the resources on their land?

That promise was broken, leaving hundreds of thousands
living in poverty with no electricity or running water.

Join us as we tell the triumphant story in the new film COBELL V.
and see details of how you can be entered to win a free trip
to attend the film’s Premiere and see your name on the screen!

Dear Friends and Supporters of Cobell v., 

For the past six years I have been producing and directing Cobell v. a feature length documentary about the largest class action lawsuit ever filed against the United States Government by lead plaintiff, Elouise Cobell.

Who is Elouise? She’s a banker and a modern day Warrior from the Blackfeet Tribe who has been fighting tirelessly for justice for over 30 years for those who are too weak to fight for themselves.

“Anytime you have a movement that seeks fundamental change for a longstanding injustice, there always has to be an iconic figure who leads the charge, the person who refuses to go to the back of the bus. That person is Elouise Cobell.” Keith Harper, lead attorney, Cobell v.

On December 8, 2010, Elouise Cobell prevailed and her fight came to an end when President Barack Obama signed the $3.4 billion Cobell Settlement Act. After 14 years in the courts, justice was finally served to 500,000 Native Americans, whose lands and royalties were mismanaged by the US Government for over a century.

When I began this journey several years ago, I never imagined it would take this long!  But documentary filmmaking is all about telling real life stories.... in real time. Having overcome the many obstacles that faced me and driven by an unrelenting passion to bring this story to light, it is with great pleasure that I announce the completion of 85% of the production of Cobell v. 

The film, shot in eight states, follows the courageous efforts of Elouise Cobell and takes us inside the lives of those she is fighting for.  We were extremely blessed to visit with struggling, yet hopeful Indian beneficiaries, in their homes and on their land.  Even though they were living in abject poverty, they welcomed us, some with tears of joy simply because we were there to check on them and listen to their stories. I’ll always cherish those memories and will dedicate this film to all those Indians who “died waiting for justice.”

Traveling the country with Elouise Cobell was also a highlight.  She is one of my heroes! We filmed her on the Blackfeet reservation and at various locations throughout the country including Congressional Hearings in Washington, DC, and meetings with the Indian Trust beneficiaries in New Mexico. We were also granted exclusive access to high-level officials of the Department of Interior in Washington, DC and Lenexa, Kansas.

In conclusion, we at Fire in the Belly Productions believe this historic "triumph of the human spirit," story needs to be told. Here is what the people at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) say:

“Melinda Janko and Fire in the Belly Productions have brought to light this tale of discrimination and corruption in the film, Cobell v. It is time the federal government takes responsibility for the degradation of the land and livelihood of these people and the Natural Resources Defense Council is proud to support this film.”

Please join the NRDC in supporting the film. “Take a stand for justice” by contributing to:

Click link below:
http://www.documentary.org/fsp/2846

Thank you for your interest in Cobell v.

Sincerely,

Melinda Janko
Producer/Director
(858) 521-0559
www.cobellvmovie.com
mjanko@cobellvmovie.com