ishkwaazhe Shane McSauby

Directing · Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

ishkwaazhe Shane McSauby is an American filmmaker and an enrolled member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. He was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Full biography

Shane is a former Sundance Institute fellow and holds an MFA in writing and directing from NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

His work has been showcased across the globe in tribal communities, museums, and film festivals. His film Happy Thanksgiving was selected by nine Academy Award-qualifying festivals, including the Woodstock Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival, and Palm Springs International ShortFest.

His latest project, The Beguiling, had its international premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and its U.S. premiere at SXSW in 2025. It was recognized as one of four winners of the Focus Features Student Short Film Showcase at the 35th annual Gotham Awards Ceremony. Shane is also a full-time film professor and serves on the board of Anishinaabe Circle, a Grand Rapids based non-profit that serves the Anishinaabe community.