The Cherokee Word for Water is a 2013 American drama film directed by Tim Kelly and Charlie Soap.
Starring Kimberly Guerrero and Mo Brings Plenty in the lead roles, the film portrays the efforts of activist and future Cherokee chief Wilma Mankiller to create a stable water supply to Bell, Oklahoma.
The successful completion of the waterline led to Mankiller's election as principal chief, her and Soap's marriage and sparked a movement of similar self-help projects across the CN and in Indian Country that continues today.
"[3] Filming started in September 2011 and took four weeks to complete, with shooting taking place in the Tahlequah urban area.
In addition to privately-raised capital and funds from the Wilma Mankiller Foundation, the film also received a rebate from the Oklahoma state government.