The Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival's dedication to connecting the Wood River Valley community to spirituality has no limitations, especially where animals are concerned. On Friday, Dec. 11, the festival will host Michael Blake, author of the Academy Award-winning screenplay and picture "Dances With Wolves," at the nexStage Theatre in Ketchum.
Blake will host a book signing and give a presentation on his latest book, "Twelve The King." The book is about a wild mustang named King that Blake adopted. King's existence and influence on Blake's life was an inspiration to him.
"Personally, I wish no one had to adopt a wild horse, and they could live free," Blake said. "We are losing everything, whether it's water or polar bears. The more we lose, the more troublesome it will be for humanity to save it."
Blake wrote "Twelve The King" as a memorial to King, who he knew for 15 years. King was able to live out his life with Blake after surviving a brutal capture in Nevada. He said sharing his experience with King provides an opportunity to see the value of wild horses.
"I am using the book to get people to give some attention to saving what is left of these animals," Blake said. "If we don't do something, they will be gone in a year or two, and it will be just another thing checked out on the planet. We should preserve the horses not just for our lives but for the people who come behind us."
Blake has published several books including "Airman Mortensen," "Marching to Valhalla," "The Holy Road," "Into the Stars" (release 2010), "Like A Running Dog, Vol. 1" and "Indian Yell." His first screenplay, "Double Down," was made into a film starring Kevin Costner ("Dances With Wolves"). Blake also produced a history documentary, "The American West, On the Road with Michael Blake."
Blake will conduct a book signing at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, at the nexStage Theatre, followed by a presentation of "Twelve The King" at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and wine and beer will be available.
In addition, Blake will join a discussion after the screening of the documentary film "Disappointment Valley" at the nexStage Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 12. Tickets for the screening are $15. Blake is featured in the film expressing his views on the plight of the American wild horse.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Michael Blake, author of “Dances with Wolves,” will present his new book, “Twelve The King,” at the nexStage Theatre. Photo by
