Nike-Sponsored Short Documentary 'Through The Storm' Makes Broadcast Premiere on NFL Network
Nike-Sponsored short documentary, “Through The Storm,” helmed by award-winning filmmakers Fritz Bitsoie and Charles Frank, makes its world broadcast premiere Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network. Produced by Voyager and Gnarly Bay, the film was created in collaboration with Nike as a part of their N7 Initiative, spotlighting the power of sports as a force for hope and unity in Indigenous communities. “Through The Storm” dives into the transformative role football plays in the Red Lake reservation, illustrating its ability to bring people together and foster community.
“We are excited to partner on this important story of inspiration, community and the love of football, and bring it to NFL Network’s audience,” said Dallas Hitchcock, NFL Network senior coordinating producer. “Bitsoie and Frank made a film that NFL fans everywhere will connect with instantly.”
“Through The Storm" follows the 2023 Red Lake Nation (Ojibwe) high school football team season. Despite dwindling interest and a two-decade-long losing record, a determined coach and group of young athletes fight to keep their football program alive. An exploration in overcoming loss, the film follows the personal triumphs and hardships of the players and their families, and how football symbolises hope, unity and resilience for the people of Red Lake.
"Working on this film alongside director Fritz Bitsoie, DP Leo Maco, producer Emma Jackson, editor Nico Frank and the entire Nike and NFL Network team has been an honour of a lifetime,” expresses Frank. “Partnering with the NFL has felt like the perfect fit for the wide broadcast release of this film.”
Filmmaker Fritz Bitsoie added, “Getting to collaborate with everyone involved to make a film that subverts the sports narrative was inspiring. I'm super proud of the team and the film we made."
“Through The Storm” is backed by Nike’s N7 initiative, honouring Indigenous cultures across North America. The N7 collection, featuring traditional prints, was launched with all proceeds benefiting the N7 fund, whose focus is to support youth sports and physical activity programs in Native communities across the continent. Portions of the film serve as promotional assets for N7, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices and stories.
The film has enjoyed a successful festival circuit, securing wins at the Big Sky Film Festival and the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. It has been featured at prominent festivals including the Camden International Film Festival, Indy Shorts International Film Festival, and BlackStar Film Festival, among others. The film will next screen at DOC NYC on November 21st and is slated for widespread release in 2025.
