SHAUNA BAKER STARS IN “DRUNKTOWN USA” – PLAYING AT THIS YEARS SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

Believed to be the drunkest city in the United States, Gallup, New Mexico, a town rich in culture and tradition, is known nationally for only one thing: alcoholism.  In the highly buzzed-about film premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, Drunktown’s Finest shines a positive light on the Navajo heritage despite the damaging effects of being labeled “Drunktown, USA.”

Appearing in her big-screen breakout role as Karah, Native American actress SHAUNA BAKER shines in the dramatic coming-of-age story following the lives of three teenagers; a rebellious father-to-be, a devout Christian girl and a promiscuous transsexual, who struggle to escape the Indian Reservation.  In an effort to rebut the label given to Gallup, NM in an ABC 20/20 special from 1990, director Sydney Freeland wants to show that the wisdom of the Navajo tradition can be a powerful force for good in modern society.

 

Shauna Baker is a Canadian actress, model and spokesperson who, along with her twin sister Shannon, has actively spoken out on the stereotypes put on Native Americans and First Nations People.  Originally from British Columbia, the Baker twins were born in the Stellat’en First Nation Reservation as part of the Carrier Déné Tribe.  Together Shauna and Shannon have appeared on several hit TV series and talk shows including an appearance on The Tyra Banks Show, where they discussed the negative stereotypes and the lack of representation of Native Americans in the media.