The Popcorn List: Remaining Native
July 20, 2026
The Popcorn List
Remaining Native is a coming-of-age documentary told from the perspective of Kutoven (Ku) Stevens, a 17-year-old Native American runner, struggling to navigate his dream of becoming a collegiate athlete as the memory of his great-grandfather's escape from an Indian boarding school begins to connect past, present, and future.
"Bethman’s film succeeds as both an inspiring coming-of-age story and impactful history lesson." —Joe Leydon, Variety
Through the relatable lens of an athlete’s story, Remaining Native becomes a Trojan horse—slipping past expectations to unearth erasure, a raw coming-of-age narrative, and a timely interrogation of decolonization, Indigenous sovereignty, and the meaning of family commitment. It places young people’s perspectives at the forefront, uncovering what matters most—community. Director Bethmann has crafted a nuanced, layered, and artistically driven documentary that is undeniably a brilliant treatise on the power of cultural memory and the fortitude of community bound by spirit, tradition, and discipline. No wonder this film was a breakout success at SXSW and is certain to have an incredible healing impact for future generations to come.
- Director: Paige Bethmann (Haudenosaunee)
- Principal Cast: Kutoven Stevens, Misty Stevens, Delmar Stevens, Lupe Cabada
- Country: USA
- Year: 2025
- Running Time: 87 min.
- Producer: Jessica Epstein, Paige Bethmann, Judd Ehrlich
- Cinematographers: Shai Ben-Dor, Paige Bethmann
- Editors: Stephanie Khoury
- Music: Kino Benally
- Website: Official Film Website
- Awards: SXSW 2025 (Special Jury Award, Audience Award)
- Filmography: Debut Feature Film
- Language: English
- Format: DCP
- International Sales: The Film Sales Company