1491: The Untold Story of the Americas Before Columbus

2017 / TV mini-series / 8 X 60 minutes

Based on the New York Times bestselling book by Charles C. Mann, 1491: The Untold Story of the Americas Before Columbus is a groundbreaking docu-drama series that redefines the history of Indigenous people of North, Central and South America.

Told entirely through the voices of Indigenous scholars and cultural leaders, and illustrated with authentic dramatic reenactments, 1491 presents a compelling narrative of the development of Indigenous peoples and societies over a 20,000-year time frame.

1491 brings to life the complexity, diversity and inter-connectedness of Indigenous peoples in the Americas before the arrival of Columbus. Presented from an Indigenous-perspective through an artful blend of documentary and scripted drama, the series takes its audience on an unforgettable journey.

Over the course of eight hours, the origins and history of ancient Indigenous societies in the Americas is interpreted by leading Indigenous scholars and cultural leaders in the fields of archaeology, art history, ethnology, genetics, geology and linguistics.

Each episode includes a five minute scripted dramatic scene that portrays a significant moment in the history of an Indigenous nation. These theatrical-style scenes will establish the episode’s theme and provide the audience with a deeper understanding of convergence of the pre-contact worlds of Indigenous peoples.