University of Utah Health System
Electronic Communications: Audio and Video
Gold
Winding Path is a short documentary film that follows Jenna Murray, an Eastern Shoshone MD-PhD student, as she navigates her dream of a career in tribal health while dealing with her own mental health crisis after her grandfather’s sudden death. This powerful story highlights the impact of the Native American Research Internship (NARI) program and addresses ongoing health disparities Native Americans face. University of Utah Health worked with Native American filmmakers to create the film, which was selected as one of 53 short films out of 12,000+ submissions as an official selection at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
What was the most impactful part of your entry?
Jenna’s story highlights critical issues related to Indigenous education, training, and rural and tribal health. Winding Path emphasizes the need for ongoing discussions and solutions to these issues at a national level.
What challenge did you overcome?
Trusting the process and sharing passion is important to generate support for and create impactful work. Jenna’s story shows the incredible strength and reach one powerful narrative can have. It demonstrates how a well-told, authentic story can resonate emotionally with anyone—those who have shared similar experiences and those who have not.
Contact:
Joe Borgenicht
joe.borgenicht@utah.edu