People of the West is a groundbreaking documentary series that explores the true histories, cultures, and living legacies of the Indigenous peoples of California. Through a combination of documentary storytelling, dramatic recreations, and Indigenous perspectives, the series seeks to illuminate stories that have long been overlooked, offering a deeper understanding of the communities whose presence and knowledge have shaped the American West for thousands of years.

As director of the dramatic and cinematic sequences throughout the series, my role was to help bring these histories to life through visual storytelling. Working closely with Indigenous advisors, historians, and cultural leaders, we crafted immersive scenes that connect audiences emotionally to the people, landscapes, and events that shaped this history. Rather than simply illustrating the past, the goal was to create a sense of presence—allowing viewers to experience these stories as living memories that continue to resonate today.

At a time when conversations around identity, representation, land stewardship, and cultural preservation are more important than ever, People of the West offers an opportunity to listen, learn, and reconnect with histories that remain deeply relevant to our present and future. The series is both an act of remembrance and a celebration of the resilience, wisdom, and enduring cultures of California’s Indigenous peoples.

It was an honor to contribute to a project that not only tells important stories, but also helps expand the way we understand the history of the American West.

Directed by SANTIAGO SIERRA SOLER

Cinematography DIEGO GARCIA

Producer JOE EARDLY

Production Design MONICA BIDAULT

Costume Design LETICIA PALACIOS

Editors ENRRIQUE ARAGUEREN & VALENTINO PATAT

Produced by BOARDWALK PICTURES

EP PACHANGA STUDIOS