Filmmaker Bobbie Birleffi grew up in Wyoming, and no matter where she traveled in the United States, her home state always remained close to her heart.
Over the years, she met countless people who had never set foot in Wyoming, and the curiosity they showed about her home eventually sparked an idea that grew into something much bigger.
That idea led to the creation of a powerful documentary focused on the lives of young Native individuals living on the Wind River Indian Reservation.
How the Documentary Began
The Spark Behind the Story
Birleffi often found herself describing Wyoming’s landscapes, people, and culture to others. According to her, this constant storytelling helped plant the first seeds of the project.
Co-director Jeanne Begley, who frequently heard Birleffi speak about the beauty and challenges of life in Wyoming, suggested exploring a documentary about the youth on Wind River.
This recommendation came with a major commitment—one that Birleffi embraced eagerly. The filming process officially began in 2018.
Inside “Generation Warrior”
The Core Narrative
The resulting project, “Generation Warrior,” follows eight Native youth from the Wind River Reservation over a span of several years. The film is set to premiere on Wyoming PBS at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, offering a deep exploration of what it means to carry the spirit of a modern-day warrior.
The documentary traces each young person’s journey from adolescence into adulthood. Their early years show optimism and innocence, but as they face loss, hardship, and difficult decisions, the story examines whether their cultural identity and warrior spirit will guide them through an increasingly complex world.
The Vision Behind the Film
Producer Lynette St. Clair described the heart of the documentary as a commitment to cultural preservation. She explained that staying connected to tribal roots, family, and spirituality—despite adversity—is the powerful through-line of the film.
Meanwhile, the young participants themselves want viewers to understand something simple:
they are just like any other American teenagers trying to navigate life.
Hudda Curry, who joined the project as a teenage basketball player, expressed this clearly:
“We are normal people living life and just trying to get by.”
Alongside Curry, the documentary features Darious Tillman, Halle Robinson, Taylee Dresser, Gene Trosper, Gabby St. Clair, and siblings Carmen and Matthew Underwood.
Birleffi and Begley began interviewing the group without knowing where the journey would lead. Birleffi noted that the unknowns were far greater than the certainties, but belief and determination guided the team forward.
Building the Project From the Ground Up
Early Days of Filming and Fundraising
Birleffi first approached Wyoming PBS, then connected with producers Lynette St. Clair and Jordan Dresser. She visited families on the reservation, meeting around 18 households, often filming with only a small handheld camera. She quickly realized the youth were eager to share their voices.
Throughout filming, she balanced two demanding jobs—capturing footage and consistently fundraising.
By 2019, she had gathered enough funding to create a “sizzle reel,” which helped attract larger financial support. Even during the pandemic, she maintained close contact with each participant through text messages to ensure the story continued uninterrupted.
Funding eventually came from the Hughes Foundation, the Wyoming Humanities Council, and several private donors. Although they lacked post-production support for a long time, relentless fundraising allowed them to complete the film.
Begley’s experience in reality TV and Birleffi’s fundraising skills helped the team finish the project without taking on debt.
Capturing the Emotional Journey
Growing Trust and Real Connections
With every visit, Birleffi noticed that families opened up more deeply. Their trust strengthened, and she began to feel personally connected to the young people—almost like a grandmother figure. Watching them transition from shy teenagers to young adults was emotional and inspiring.
The documentary captures painful experiences as well, including traumatic family events and personal struggles. Birleffi said hearing these stories pushed her to grow both as a filmmaker and as a human being.
She learned about the unbreakable importance of family within the tribal community and saw firsthand how support systems help young people face unimaginable challenges.
Individual Stories Within the Film
One of the most compelling storylines follows Halle Robinson, a high-achieving athlete with a 4.2 GPA, and her boyfriend Hudda Curry. The couple experienced significant challenges during filming, and at one point, Halle even considered leaving the project. Ultimately, she stayed and completed the journey.
Birleffi believes the documentary will resonate with young people across Wyoming—Native and non-Native alike—because it highlights a shared desire to grow, push forward, and overcome obstacles.
As producer St. Clair explains,
“It’s about the warrior attitude—moving through life with courage, resilience, and determination.”
“Generation Warrior” is more than a documentary—it is a personal, emotional, and cultural journey told through the voices of young Native individuals growing up in Wyoming. Their stories reveal resilience, the strength of tribal identity, and the importance of family support. The film stands as a reminder that the warrior spirit lives on in today’s youth, guiding them through challenges and shaping their future with courage and hope.
