Vanishing Florida: Seminole Patchwork (2015)

Seminole Patchwork is an instantly recognizable and unique art form that was common throughout the Seminole and Miccosukkee Tribes from early in the 20th century until just recently. Now, with enormous incomes from gaming enterprises, there's little motivation for younger Seminole girls and women to learn the craft. A few of the elders still produce piecework, but mostly for personal and family use. Gone are the tourist camps throughout South Florida, where the artwork was made and sold. The future of the craft is literally in the hands of just a few elder tribal women who still spend hours sewing the art they've produced all of their lives. Vanishing Florida - Seminole Patchwork is a character study of Sadie Cypress, one of the last remaining elders who actively created Seminole patchwork, and her daughter, Janice Billie, who shares perspective on the cultural changes that are common to members of the Seminole Tribe. Sadie passed away less than a year after the film's release.