A 24-year-old cast member from the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation in northern Saskatchewan is getting the limelight after starring in the prequel to Carnivores movie franchise.
Harlan Blayne Kytwayhat plays the character Itsee in the sci-fi action movie called prey, it’s the fifth part of Carnivores series. It was an unbelievable moment when Kytwayhat learned that he was trying his hand at the franchise.
“We all just thought, ‘Oh, that’s just another period piece about the natives,’ he said. “It’s really like a day or two before I go to LA is when my (manager) team says to me, ‘Harlan, don’t be surprised, but we’re pretty sure this is the fifth time. Carnivores the movie you will audition for. ‘ My mind exploded… I (trying to) maintain my composure. (It) is a big deal. “
Read more:
Indigenous educators of northern Saskatchewan introduce reconciliation in schools
The film was released on Disney Plus on August 5, 2022. When the film was first streamed, Kytwayhat sensed the hype surrounding the film and his role in it.
“I actually stayed up until 3 a.m. waiting for the movie to come out (and) I watched it,” he said. “When I[wake up]on Instagram and Reddit, a lot of people just wanted to say, ‘Oh, my God… no way, this is crazy.’ I still love going back and reading those comments and just thinking like ‘these guys are like fans in a sense (who are) really just supportive… I still love every second of it. “
In preparation for the film, Kytwayhat brought his archery skills to the table before shooting. He and the crew trained for a month in a bootcamp, where they ran scripts, worked on and learned how to do Comanche archery.
Read more:
Canadian actor Eugene Brave Rock gives keynote speech on Kainai reserve: ‘fulfill your purpose’
Kytwayhat grew up in the town of Meadow Lake, half an hour from the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation community in his hometown. He was discovered while working at the community golf club.
“Someone who happened to work in film and television came over for lunch and I guess I sparked something that popped into their head,” he said. “They come and chat with me after their meal. And here I am four years later.”
Kytwayhat also starred in drama Shoresy and Tribe. He is currently working on another movie called Strong warrior. He plans to return to Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation after filming and continues to try his hand at upcoming films.
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
