Flipping the Script on the 60th Anniversary of JFK’s “New Frontier” Speech
60 years ago today (July 15, 1960) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, JFK coined the phrase “New Frontier”. 2,485 sniper-sighted words that rallied a nation, landed one man in the White House, and another man on the moon.
For a generation of Americans, Kennedy’s words are an inspiration; synonymous with fearless hope, and impossible triumph. And yet, while most Americans are familiar with the word “Frontier”, very few Americans actually know the definition. If you don’t know, now you know.
Frontier / noun /
A line or border separating two nations.
An inspiring word, indeed. Unless, of course, you’re on the wrong side of one. In which case its very much the opposite. You see, In coining the words “New Frontier”, Kennedy (whether deliberate or not) further buried the forgotten truth of the former “Frontier” AKA the colonization of the continent, and subsequent dissaearance of countless Native tribes and people.
For over a year, I’ve been working with P.Y.N (Preserve Your Nationality) Casting, Sundance, and the actor Joseph Runningfox to develop a screenplay which I believe has the power to change the way we look at language, concepts, and ideas, such as the “New Frontier”.
It is a retelling of the Apollo 11 Mission—from a Native perspective. In it, Neil Armstrong, for the very first time, finally begins to question the motives and propaganda which have permeated American culture since its very inception: the idea that America’s expansion (into land, sea, and space) is solely heroic, and without flaw.
It is our hope—in this great and profound time of collective introspection—that the film positively contributes to the emerging narratives that are positively reshaping the world.
If you wish to follow or support the making of the film visit www.theycomeshortfilm.com
My name is Craig Kind. I am a writer, storyteller, filmmaker, and believer that storytelling is the vehicle through which society passes its greatest lessons. Now is the time for new American narratives. New language, new images, new faces, and new stories that help dismantle the walls, and” frontiers”, that have served only to maintain white privilege and the status quo.
