OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Chickasaw Nation moviemakers have issued casting calls for American Indian actors for a tribally-produced feature film about the entertainer Te Ata.

“Te Ata” is a full-length feature film based on the life and legacy of Chickasaw performer Mary Frances Thompson who is best known by the stage name, Te Ata, which means “bearer of the dawn.” She gained international fame with a one woman show of American Indian heritage and culture to audiences across the United States, Canada and Europe.

She was named Woman of the Year by Ladies’ Home Journal in 1976. Her performances are credited with inspiring greater respect and understanding of American Indian culture.

The casting call is Saturday at Oklahoma City’s Remington Park with another casting call at 9 a.m. Sunday at McSwain Theatre in Ada.