Legal Threat Targets You’re No Indian; Filmmakers Affirm Commitment to Accuracy and Dialogue
Legal Threat Targets You’re No Indian; Filmmakers Affirm Commitment to Accuracy and Dialogue
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On November 24, 2025, the filmmakers of You’re No Indian received a cease-and-desist letter from attorneys representing the Pechanga Band of Indians and Chairman Mark Macarro. The letter demands that all screenings and distribution of the film be stopped, asserting concerns about research and representation.
The filmmakers stand by the extensive work that went into the project. “Our team spent years documenting these stories, speaking with families, reviewing records, and consulting experts,” said Ryan Flynn, Director of You’re No Indian. “We also reached out to Chairman Macarro multiple times during production — and documented those attempts — offering him the opportunity to share his perspective. That invitation remains open.”
The team is reviewing the letter with legal counsel, but they remain confident in the integrity of their process and the importance of the conversations the film has sparked.
“Our aim has always been to approach this subject with care, accuracy, and respect,” Flynn added. “If Chairman Macarro wishes to share his viewpoint now, we welcome that dialogue and will present it fully and without alteration.”
You’re No Indian has screened at Dances With Films LA, Montana International Film Festival, Shining Mountains Film Festival, the United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF), and the RNCI Red Nation International Film Festival, receiving the Joanelle Romero Impact Award and an Honorable Mention for Best Documentary Feature.
As the filmmakers evaluate the letter’s claims, they remain committed to transparency, open conversation, and to ensuring that the voices featured in the film are heard.
About You’re No Indian
You’re No Indian is a documentary that explores the experiences of people who have been removed from tribal citizenship, highlighting the personal, cultural, and community-level effects of disenrollment as told by those directly affected. Directed by Ryan Flynn and executive produced by Tantoo Cardinal and Wes Studi, the film is produced by Michael Sammaciccia and Santana Rabang.
