Cherokee-language film ‘Siren of the Wood’ reimagines the Deer Woman legend

By Cherokee 411 Staff

November 7, 2025

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — A new Cherokee-language film is bringing one of the tribe’s oldest legends to the modern screen. Siren of the Wood, produced by Native Fable Movie Production, tells the story of Deer Woman — a powerful spirit from Cherokee tradition — entirely in the Cherokee language with English subtitles.

Written and directed by Cherokee filmmaker Christopher Corsy, the project features a majority Native American cast and crew. The production builds on Corsy’s long-term goal of expanding Indigenous storytelling beyond documentaries and historical films to include original Native-made horror and fantasy.

The film’s language element began as a single Cherokee line but quickly evolved into a fully translated script. Corsy worked with Cherokee language consultant Marlene to ensure authenticity. The choice to use Cherokee throughout not only grounds the film in cultural identity but also makes it an educational experience for viewers through its subtitles.

Producing an all-Cherokee dialogue film came with challenges. Not every performer was fluent, yet many had some language experience or were eager to learn. The process became a bridge between creative expression and language revitalization.

Corsy drew inspiration from the FX series Reservation Dogs, particularly an episode that portrayed Deer Woman in a lighthearted way. His version leans closer to the darker oral stories he heard growing up — tales in which Deer Woman could lure away men or mischievous children who disrespected the natural order.

Siren of the Wood premiered at a regional film festival this year, marking Corsy’s second appearance there. Organizers have highlighted Native filmmakers as part of a growing effort to expand Indigenous representation in cinema.

The success of Siren of the Wood reinforces the momentum of Native-led storytelling in Oklahoma’s film community. Corsy and his team are now developing a five-film anthology series, set for release on Tubi TV, continuing their mission to tell original Native stories from a Cherokee perspective.

For more information, visit Native Fable Movie Production or follow @NativeFableMovieProduction on social media.