We continue our look at filmmaking in North Dakota by talking to Bismarck filmmaker Matt Fern. Fern is the director of “Fighting Over Sioux,” a documentary from 202o that looks at the NCAA banning the Sioux mascot at UND.
Fern has been working in film and media for over 20 years. After graduating from film school, while friends of his made the move to New York City and Los Angeles, he chose to stay in Bismarck. “I really love my home state,” he said. “I think there are many untold stories.” He has made short films, ads, and documentaries through his media production company, The Creative Treatment.
One of his most notable films is the documentary “Fighting Over Sioux.” He filmed it all over the state for seven years. He did interviews in Grand Forks, Fargo, Spirit Lake, and Standing Rock. The movie is available on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime.
Fern is also an advocate for improving North Dakota’s film industry. He cited neighboring states like Montana and Minnesota which have poured millions of dollars into film production. North Dakota has no tax incentives for film productions. He also runs the North Dakota Film and Media Association pages on Instagram and Facebook. The Instagram link is https://www.instagram.com/filmnorthdakota/. The pages highlight North Dakota-made films and industry workers.
“I think North Dakota is the best place to film. That’s why I chose to live and make movies here,” he said. “Number one just because of the landscape and history. Nothing is like North Dakota landscape… The stories here are very unique and not told… The small film industry here is really talented… It’s very easy to get a filming permit across the state… A lot of communities welcome and get excited at the idea of a film company coming to their community.”
Fern also made news this year after filing a complaint with the state auditor where a production company may have allegedly broken lobbying rules before receiving filmmaking grants for a total of $700,000 from the Department of Commerce. The North Dakota Ethics Commission is investigating the matter.
“It’s very frustrating how the Department of Commerce is supporting one media company,” Fern said. “It’s frustrating to have a lack of transparency and accountability. The film and media industry is very small. These dollars and any kind of support makes a huge impact. I’m hopeful we can have some accountability.”
Fern is “optimistic” for the media industry in North Dakota in the future.
“I want to be realistic. I don’t think we’ll be able to compete with those large tax incentives but I think in the next 10 years we can build up infrastructure and processes to eventually get there… I hope that the government and state of North Dakota takes the film and media industry seriously and does have resources to help and support that industry.”
He said if people want to help support the industry locally, the “easiest way is to watch North Dakota made movies” and “support any filmmakers in your community.”
“I encourage North Dakota businesses to be open to filmmakers.”
