About the Film

Return of the Sacred is a thought-provoking, hour-long documentary exploring the ongoing efforts of Haudenosaunee communities to reclaim sacred items—ceremonial masks, wampum belts, and even human remains—that remain in museum collections despite federal repatriation laws like NAGPRA. Through intimate interviews that I, Cordell Cordaro, will personally conduct with Haudenosaunee community members and institutions in Monroe County and across New York State, including the Rochester Museum and Science Center, the film explores not only the ethical dilemmas but also the significant obstacles in the repatriation of these sacred items, many of which fall under the guidelines of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These items, which should be returned, often face resistance in the process.

Who’s Behind It

I’m Cordell Cordaro, a professional artist and filmmaker with over 15 years of experience and the founder of Art House Press magazine. While my career has been rooted in the arts, in recent years I’ve expanded into documentary filmmaking. In 2024, I co-produced my first documentary, which aired on WXXI in June, and Return of the Sacred builds on that path.

I’m directing and producing this project, but this is not my story—it belongs to the Haudenosaunee communities working to reclaim what was taken. My role is to listen, learn, and help bring these voices and histories forward with care and respect. I'm working closely with Indigenous partners and cultural consultants to ensure the film honors the complexity, sovereignty, and sacredness of what is shared. I’m working in collaboration with Hill + Valley Creative to ensure the film is professionally shot and edited with cinematic quality, while also respecting the cultural boundaries of what can and cannot be shown.

We are currently mid-production, having already filmed five interviews and site footage. Distribution is a major part of our plan—our first goal is to air the film on WXXI, following the success of our previous broadcast. Beyond that, we’re actively pursuing every possible distribution path, from independent networks and educational outlets to major platforms like Netflix.

Why We Need Your Support

We’ve received strong early support:

• $7,500 from the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts Inspire Grant

• $1,500 from Canandaigua National Bank

• $2,500 from Dr. Richard Bloom via the Rochester Area Community Foundation

But to bring this project to completion, we need to raise at least $30,000 to cover essential costs.

Where the Money Goes

Here’s what your contribution directly supports:

• Filming & Cinematography: professional crew, travel, lodging

• Post-Production: editing, color correction, sound design, archival licensing

• Equipment Rental: lenses, lighting, audio gear (ARRI-level equipment)

• Travel & Mileage: multiple shoots across New York State

• Consultants & Community Honorariums: to respectfully work with Haudenosaunee partners

• Promotion & Distribution: screenings, festival entries, educational outreach

• Production Insurance and Contingency: to keep the project stable through unexpected turns

• Producer Fees: to support the time, labor, and creative leadership required to see the film through from development to distribution

This isn’t just about finishing a film—it’s about ensuring it’s done right.

Why It Matters

As Cole Reuben (Seneca, Curatorial Assistant at the Rock Foundation Collection) put it:

“I am fully in support of Return of the Sacred exploring these challenges that affect Indigenous communities to this day... to highlight the complexities of these issues to educate the public and garner support for more ethical museum practices.”

This film doesn’t just tell a story—it advocates for justice and healing.

Please help us finish this project with the care, integrity, and professionalism it deserves.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the project, how funds are used, or just want to connect—I’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to reach out to me directly.

– Cordell