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James Billie is no ordinary leader--he is the man who forever changed the destiny of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. A decorated Vietnam veteran, award-winning musician, fearless alligator wrestler, and the "father of Indian casinos," Billie rose from humble beginnings to become the most influential Native American figure of the past century. Charismatic and controversial, he lifted his people from crushing poverty to unprecedented prosperity, but not without epic battles and bitter conflict.
Wrestling Alligators traces the Seminoles' remarkable journey, from their mythic survival in the swamps against U.S. soldiers to the opening of a small bingo hall in 1979 that exploded into a multi-billion-dollar gaming empire. Along the way, Billie locked horns with sheriffs, governors, federal officials, and even his own tribe, as power, money, and tradition collided. This sweeping portrait is both a story of one man's extraordinary life and a gripping saga of Native resilience, cultural pride, and the price of leadership. More than a biography, it is a cinematic tale of survival, ambition, betrayal, and triumph that asks: what does it take to wrestle with history--and win? This is a re-release of this 2015 film festival favorite film. It has been updated with a revised ending reflecting the current status of things.
Yamna is an 82-year-old miracle-worker and righteous woman from Sderot, Israel. The film depicts her unique character and rituals, her Eastern culture and her effort to bequeath her mystical power to the next generation Yamna's story is told through the people who come to her for help as we are offered a glimpse into some of her secrets. Yehudit, 40, whose biological clock is running out, hopes that Yamna can help her become pregnant after conventional fertilization treatments have failed. Dudu, Yamna's grandson, asks her for help with finding success in the music industry. Yamna's daughter, Shula, has the technical know-how of her mother but is still searching for the special spark she needs to honor her birthright and become a righteous woman.
