*Please note all articles for 2025 have been archived.

1/09/2026

Glitches!

I spent hours doing a major rewrite of the home page for clarity and accuracy, uploaded it, then today the page somehow was the old version. I have corrected it, thanks to having backed up my work. I appologise for any confusion. - Phillip

12/31/2025

GOOD BYE 2025! HELLO 2026!

With the New Year just around the corner, on behalf of Black Hawk Productions, a BIG thank you for your continued support. It's been a challenging year for all of us, I know. But let's move forward with hope for a brighter future for all! We are grateful for the wonderful opportunities we enjoyed during 2025.

DOCUMENTARY FILM

Have you never heard of the Black Hawk War in Utah? The War was not a single event. Mormon Settler colonialism subjugated the Timpanogos to nearly 30 years of widespread starvation, a smallpox epidemic, over 150 violent encounters, loss of land, and over eight brutal massacres. These events led to a 90% decline in their population and irreversible damage to their culture.

So, who is more qualified to narrate the story of settler colonialism than its victims, the Shoshone Timpanogos Nation? In 2015, Mary Murdock Meyer, the Chief Executive of the Timpanogos Nation, initiated a collaboration with Phillip B Gottfredson to present their version and personal account of the Black Hawk War. Phillip underscores, "The Timpanogos perspective is not a mere footnote in the historical narrative of the Black Hawk War; it's a pivotal account that offers a firsthand view of these events."

What if you could step behind the camera and witness the untold moments that shape a film? That’s exactly where David White (Director) and I, Phillip B Gottfredson (Participant and Consultant Producer), have found ourselves since June, working with Know The Soul Productions. Every day brings a new discovery—a story unearthed, a challenge met, or a moment that leaves us speechless. Our timeline aims for late 2026, but the real goal is honesty and depth—capturing voices and truths that have long waited to be heard. 

Then a Timpanogos descendant shared a memory so raw it changed the course of our film. Moments like that remind us why we’re pouring our hearts into this project. His relentless pursuit of authenticity and his eye for atmosphere keep every scene vibrant and real. 

David White, Director, has insisted that a major portion of the film focus on my own back story—how I became involved with Native people, the sacrifices I made, and how, over nearly three decades, I gradually assimilated into their culture. He believes it’s a vital perspective that shows the outsider’s journey toward understanding and respect. 

Yet, for me, the heart of this film is not my story, but that of the Timpanogos descendants. I see myself as a bridge, someone who can help bring their voices forward. The power of this project lies in giving space to those whose stories have too often gone unheard. By sharing both perspectives—my personal journey and the Timpanogos' reclamation of their narrative—we hope to create a richer, more honest film that resonates on many levels. 

We’re approaching a major milestone: Know The Soul Productions will share an exclusive preview soon. This is your chance to get an early look and help shape the conversation. Watch for the announcement, share your thoughts, and help us spread the word—the more people who listen, the more powerful these stories become.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

 

11/14/2025

Circleville Massacre

September 1866, 26 Koosharem Paiutes, men women and children throats were cut and buried in a mass grave. Why? Mormon settlers thought they were savages.

Yesterday I and filmmaker David White interviewed Jared Furguson whose second great-grandfather was the only child survivor.

Jared had brought to our attention of there being a bunch of interesting petroglyphs there, so we drove 180 miles to photograph them and more importantly to get Jared on camera telling the story of his grandfather, which was nothing less than hearbreaking.

All part of our documentary film we have been working on since last July. See Circleville Massacre for more information.