Nik Nerburn decolonizes the Paul Bunyan folk myth, connects it to the violent history of Minnesota, and provides possible counter histories. A fascinating and playful forty-minute long experimental documentary.

"In the Shadow of Paul Bunyan is an experimental first person documentary about colonial heritage, mythmaking in northern Minnesota, the US/Dakota war of 1862 and a certain iconic pair of roadside attractions in Bemidji, Minnesota. The film explores the way the Anglo-American caricature of Paul Bunyan overshadows the many complex histories of this state. Using rarely seen archival materials and observational 16mm film, In the Shadow of Paul Bunyan is an expedition into the hidden corners of this land we call Minnesota." 

Check out a clip of the film.

For more, check out the Paul Bunyan blog and companion zine!