As the director of Dream Touch Believe, it is my goal to enchant audiences with a visually stunning, yet deeply emotional feature length documentary. As a longtime television producer and first-time filmmaker, it is always my artistic goal to create pieces that captivate the eyes and ears yet go straight to the heart.

I’m making this film because I know the power of Michael Naranjo’s narrative and I am compelled to share his inspiring story with a broader audience. Michael is my father and I’ve spent my lifetime watching the way he inspires people of all ages and walks of life. It is my duty to share this story with the broadest audience possible.

As a boy growing up on the Santa Clara Pueblo Indigenous reservation, Naranjo dreamt of becoming an artist. But Naranjo and his dreams nearly died in the war fields of Vietnam following a grenade blast. In moments that followed, he fought past critics and stereotypes to find the life and career he had always envisioned. It’s a timeless story that is ready to inspire its audience.

The film weaves Naranjo’s soothing voice with key visual elements including a trove of historical news media and gorgeously composed original footage. For example, Naranjo details overcoming the challenges of his war injury and describes some of the places his storied career has led him.

Whether presenting a sculpture to President Nixon in the Oval Office or to the Pope in Vatican City – historical footage solidifies the power of Naranjo’s words and the deep meaning behind his sculptures. Again, when Naranjo describes achieving his dream of touching Michelangelo’s David, viewers join the epic journey with breathtaking footage.

To visually detail more recent chapters of Naranjo’s life, director of photography Bill Stengel, known for capturing some of New Mexico’s greatest landscapes and artists on film, juxtaposes darkness and light. We focus on these elements to remind viewers that although Naranjo’s world is one of darkness, he still finds a way to emanate joy and light.

At the climax, we witness my father seek one last dream – to “see” and touch the epic and unforgettable monumental sculpture, The End of The Trail. “I’m reaching the end of my trail,” he says, “and I want to know what that looks like. I will chase my dream until the sun doesn’t rise for me anymore.” As his hands glide over the piece, viewers are emboldened to seek their own dreams despite their own personal challenges.

I have witnessed my father share his story with everyone from schoolchildren to veteran’s groups and I know how impactful it is. Now more than ever, our world needs sources of light and inspiration. My father has a track record of inspiring audiences via motivational speeches, appearances and touchable art shows. He recently served as a national spokesperson for the Disabled American Veterans in a very successful campaign. It is proven that his story invites audiences to harness the power of believing in their dreams.

While some might question a daughter’s ability to share her own father’s story, I argue this: I know this story better than anyone — the untold secrets, the struggles, the beauty — and my father was only willing to share it in full with one person — me. Our ancestors often used stories to share family history.

And so I proudly share this story about my father and about our pursuit for creative expression and freedom. This need to create — whether it be sculptures or a film — is deeply rooted in our lineage and Indigenous ancestry — it is in our blood that we express ourselves. Thank you.