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Dreamkeeper
Dreamkeeper
from Wikipedia

Dreamkeeper
GenreDrama
Written byJohn Fusco
Directed bySteve Barron
Starring
Theme music composerStephen Warbeck
Country of origin
  • Canada
  • United States
  • Germany
Original languageEnglish
Production
Producers
  • Ron McLeod
  • Matthew O'Connor
EditorColin Green
Running time180 minutes
Production companyHallmark Entertainment
BudgetCAD $40 million
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseDecember 28, 2003 (2003-12-28)

Dreamkeeper is a 2003 film written by John Fusco and directed by Steve Barron. The main plot of the film is the conflict between a Lakota elder and storyteller named Pete Chasing Horse (August Schellenberg) and his Lakota grandson, Shane Chasing Horse (Eddie Spears).

The plot unwinds as the two travel from Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota to the All Nations powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a trip the grandson takes only under duress. Along the way, the grandfather tells his grandson various Indian stories and legends to help him understand and choose the "good red road," i.e. to embrace an Indian identity.

Plot

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The film opens with Eagle Boy, a young man who is on a vision quest. It then cuts to the present, where a young cynical Lakota named Shane Chasing Horse is living on the Pine Ridge reservation. He is in trouble because he owes some money to a local gang—money he used to buy a beautiful ring for Mae Little Wounded, a girl he likes. Meanwhile, his mother asks him to drive his grandfather, Pete Chasing Horse, a storyteller, down to the powwow. Shane is reluctant. However, when the gang comes after him, Shane changes his mind and heads out to the powwow with his grandfather, who agrees to give him his truck once they reach the powwow. Grandfather tells Shane the story of a young Lakota man who tries to win the hand of Bluebird Woman. He also tells the story of how a thunder spirit falls in love with a Mohawk woman and brings her up into the ethereal world of Sky Woman, and of how she raised their son back in her village until he was struck by one of the villagers and brought back to live with his father.

Later, when a young redheaded man who is eager to learn about Native culture and hoping to be adopted by a Native American family asks to ride with them to the powwow, Shane says no. His grandfather then tells him the Kiowa story of Tehan, a white man who lived among the Kiowa and fought bravely alongside them, and Shane relents and lets the redhead ride with them. Shane's grandfather then tells how Eagle Boy follows the advice of a shining spirit elk, and seeks out an old woman who can give him weapons with which to slay the mighty serpent Uncegila. He is repulsed when the ugly old woman embraces him, but reacts quite differently when she transforms into a beautiful younger woman. She reproaches him, but gives him what he needs. Eagle Boy slays Uncegila, whose heart instructs him and grants him great power and prophetic visions.

Eventually, the gang members who are after Shane catch up with them, but accidentally drive their car off a cliff and into the Rio Grande River while chasing him. Shane dives in and saves them, and his struggle is contrasted with Eagle Boy's underwater battle with Uncegila. The gang members ride with them for a ways, until they and the redheaded hitchhiker leave them in order to travel with a group of attractive young Cheyenne women who are also headed to the powwow.

As they travel, Shane's grandfather tells Shane many other stories: several are about the trickster Coyote and Iktomi the spider. Another is about a young Pawnee man and his mother who are scorned by the rest of their tribe until the young man finds an unwanted dun pony who brings them good medicine. As Shane and his grandfather look up at the stars, the grandfather tells the story of the Quillwork Girl and her seven star brothers, which is about a Cheyenne girl who puts her faith in a dream and searches for seven brothers, but who must then contend with the Buffalo nation. The next story is about a young Chinook woman who sacrifices herself in order to cure her village of a terrible sickness, and the next is about a young Blackfoot hunter who cannot let go of the memory of his father.

Shane and his grandfather continue their journey, losing their truck along the way and continuing on horseback and on foot. The two become closer. However, it then turns out that Shane's grandfather has led them not to the powwow but to Shane's father's (Sam Chasing Horse) trailer home. Shane is outraged and disappointed to be tricked, but is persuaded to stay the night. The next morning Shane finally makes peace with his estranged father. However, he then becomes grief-stricken when he discovers that his grandfather had meanwhile died in his sleep. Shane decides to continue on to the powwow on horseback, and his father says that when Shane comes home he'll be there too. The ending of Eagle Boy's story is revealed

Cast

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Production

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Filming lasted four months and took place mainly in Canada, Arizona, and, New Mexico.[1] Representatives of the Lakota, Kiowa, Cheyenne, Pawnee, Blackfeet, Mohawk and Crow tribes[2] came on board the film to evaluate the authenticity of the production during filming and to suggest changes.[1] One of the advisors was shocked to see that the crew had managed to get rare Cheyenne leopard dogs for one scene.[1] Some scenes involved shooting a stampeding herd of 1,500 buffalo.[2]

Visual effects supervisor Nicholas Brooks states that in order to create the heavenly, otherworldly look of the land of Sky Woman in the "Legend of She Crosses the Water and the Thunder Spirit," the filmmakers decided not to film the actors against blue screen.[3] Instead, the color and texture of the scenes were later altered, sometimes in a rather arbitrary manner controlled by the computer, which Brooks says lent the sequence a particular psychological feel.[3]

Awards

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  • 2003, American Indian Film Festival: Best Film
  • 2004, Emmy Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special
  • 2004 Humanitarian Award—John Fusco—First Americans in the Arts

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
is a 2003 American two-part television miniseries directed by Steve Barron and written by John Fusco, centering on the journey of an elderly Lakota storyteller, Pete Chasing Horse, portrayed by August Schellenberg, and his troubled teenage grandson, Shane, played by Shawn Elliott, from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota toward self-discovery and cultural reconnection. During their cross-country travels by car and horseback, Pete shares embedded legends drawn from diverse Native American nations, including Lakota, Cheyenne, Pawnee, and Blackfoot traditions, illustrating themes of heritage, identity, and ancestral wisdom. Produced by Hallmark Entertainment for ABC, the miniseries features extensive Native American casting, such as Tantoo Cardinal and Nathaniel Arcand, and emphasizes authentic storytelling to bridge generational and cultural divides. It garnered acclaim for its evocative visuals and respect for oral histories, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in 2004, as well as Best Film at the 2003 American Indian Film Festival. While praised for highlighting underrepresented myths without evident fabrication, the production faced no major controversies, though its episodic structure blending modern realism with fantastical elements drew mixed viewer responses on pacing.

Synopsis

Main Narrative

Dreamkeeper centers on the journey of Pete Chasing Horse, a Lakota elder and storyteller living on the in , and his estranged grandson Shane Chasing Horse. Shane, a troubled young man indebted to local members over losses, is compelled by his mother to escort Pete on a to the All Nations in , approximately 1,000 miles away. As the pair travels in Pete's old pickup truck, pursued intermittently by Shane's creditors who seek repayment through intimidation, Pete recounts ancient tribal legends to bridge the generational and cultural divide. These narratives, drawn from diverse Native American traditions, serve as metaphors for the challenges they face, gradually transforming Shane's indifference into appreciation for his heritage. Pete, nearing the end of his life and guided by visions, emphasizes the role of dreamkeepers in preserving oral histories against modern erosion. The narrative builds tension through encounters with mythical elements bleeding into reality, such as spirit animals and prophetic dreams, culminating in Shane's confrontation with his pursuers and a personal reckoning at the . This resolution underscores themes of redemption, cultural continuity, and the enduring power of , as Shane assumes the mantle of dreamkeeper.

Interwoven Legends

The Dreamkeeper miniseries interweaves approximately ten traditional legends drawn from diverse Native American tribes, including , Pawnee, Lakota, Blackfeet, , Mohawk, and , into the central road trip narrative of Lakota elder Pete Chasing Horse and his grandson Shane. These stories manifest as vivid, hallucinatory visions triggered by the landscape or Pete's storytelling, each employing distinct casts and visual styles to evoke tribal-specific aesthetics and environments, filmed across varied Canadian locations to simulate American Indian territories. The legends function as didactic interludes, conveying moral, cosmological, and cautionary themes central to oral traditions, while paralleling Shane's personal struggles with identity and . Prominent among the sequences is a Lakota trickster tale featuring , the spider-like mischief-maker played by , and , embodied by , who collaborate in deceptive schemes that underscore the chaotic, transformative roles of these archetypal figures in Plains cosmology. Another Lakota narrative centers on the Blue Bird Woman legend, where a young warrior named High Horse (Sean Wei Mah) pursues the titular woman (Sage Galesi) despite her father's refusal, exploring motifs of unrequited desire, supernatural aid, and the consequences of in courtship rituals. Pawnee contributions include the Dun Horse story, which imparts lessons on and the perils of through a horse's vengeful journey, and the tale of Dirty Belly, a ridiculed figure who redeems himself via an encounter with an abandoned child, blending humor with themes of communal restoration. A Chinook legend depicts a woman's to avert a village-devastating illness, emphasizing communal welfare over individual survival in traditions. These vignettes, sourced from tribal oral histories as adapted by screenwriter , prioritize entertainment and visual spectacle, though their fidelity to original variants—varying by and teller—remains subject to dramatization for narrative cohesion.

Production

Development and Writing

The screenplay for Dreamkeeper was written by , a with prior experience in Native American-themed , including the 1992 film . Fusco's script integrates traditional stories from tribes such as the Lakota, , Pawnee, and Blackfeet into a framing of a Lakota elder, Pete Chasing Horse, guiding his estranged grandson Shane on a journey to the All Nations Gathering of the Tribes. This structure allows interwoven legends to illustrate themes of heritage, responsibility, and cultural continuity, with Fusco defining interpretive meanings for each tale in educational materials associated with the production. Development of the project was initiated in early 2002 by Hallmark Entertainment, under executive producers Robert Halmi Sr. and Robert Halmi Jr., as a high-budget for ABC with an announced cost of around $30 million. The initiative aimed to retell Native American folk tales in a fantastical format, building on Hallmark's success with prior miniseries like . Fusco, a Vermont-based with a focus on epic Americana, was selected for the script due to his established portfolio, which also encompassed Young Guns and Hidalgo. Steve was attached as director contemporaneously, leveraging his background in visually ambitious Hallmark projects such as Arabian Nights (2000). Fusco's approach prioritized sourcing authentic legends while adapting them for dramatic cohesion, though as a non-Native , his work drew for potential cultural interpretation by outsiders; nonetheless, production notes and participant accounts highlighted efforts toward accuracy through consultation with tribal members. The script's completion aligned with announcements in 2002, enabling filming to commence later that year in Alberta, .

Filming and Locations

for Dreamkeeper spanned four months, longer than typical for a television movie, to accommodate the expansive narrative and diverse settings required for the interwoven Native American legends. The production, directed by , prioritized authentic landscapes to visually represent the stories' mythical and historical elements, involving shoots across multiple regions. Filming occurred primarily in Alberta, Canada, which provided vast prairies and rugged terrains suitable for the film's road journey and epic sequences. Additional principal locations included in , , for desert scenes evoking southwestern tribal environments. In , shoots took place at in Abiquiu and Jemez Pueblo, leveraging the area's dramatic red rock formations and cultural sites to depict pueblo and ancestral settings. These choices reflected a deliberate effort to match geographic authenticity with the legends' origins, though some interiors and effects were handled separately.

Cultural Authenticity and Tribal Involvement

The production of Dreamkeeper prioritized cultural authenticity through consultations with Native American communities, employing 15 advisors from Native American and Native Canadian backgrounds to verify details including , ceremonies, and narrative elements drawn from tribal oral traditions. These advisors ensured fidelity to specific legends, such as a tale involving a character and a story of a warrior's , by cross-referencing with tribal knowledge keepers. While the screenplay by incorporated stories from approximately ten distinct Native nations—including Lakota, Pawnee, and Blackfoot—the advisors' role mitigated potential inaccuracies arising from non-Native creative leads, though some critiques noted the framing narrative's modern Lakota focus might overshadow lesser-represented tribes. Tribal involvement extended to casting and crew, with roughly 2,500 Native individuals participating across roles, including 95 speaking parts portrayed by actors of tribal descent such as Lakota (Eddie Spears as Shane), (August Schellenberg as Pete Chasing Horse), and Cayuga (Gary Farmer as Coyote). Production drew performers and extras from reservations and First Nations communities, culminating in a sequence featuring 600 Canadian Native participants to depict intertribal gatherings realistically. Advisors from tribes like Lakota, Kiowa, Cheyenne, Pawnee, Blackfeet, and Mohawk contributed to on-set guidance, fostering representation absent in many prior Hollywood depictions of Native lore. This approach contrasted with earlier films criticized for generic "Indian" portrayals, as Dreamkeeper's tribal-specific sourcing aimed for granular accuracy in , symbolism, and worldview integration.

Cast and Characters

Principal Cast

The principal cast of Dreamkeeper features Indigenous actors in lead roles, emphasizing cultural representation in the storytelling narrative. plays Grandpa Pete Chasing Horse, an elderly Lakota storyteller who guides his grandson on a while sharing Native legends. portrays Shane Chasing Horse, the troubled young grandson grappling with personal and cultural disconnection. Gary Farmer embodies Iktome, the trickster spider figure from who weaves through the interwoven tales. depicts , the cunning central to several Native American myths depicted in the film's structure. stars as Eagle Boy, a heroic figure in one of the embedded legends confronting supernatural challenges. These performances anchor the film's blend of contemporary journey and mythological vignettes, with Schellenberg's role earning particular recognition for its depth in conveying .

Supporting Roles and Tribal Representations

The supporting cast of Dreamkeeper comprises numerous Native American actors portraying figures from the interwoven tribal legends, such as as the trickster spider Iktome, as the coyote spirit, and as Eagle Boy. Other key supporting performers include as First Woman, Gerald Auger as Red Deer Man, and in various ensemble roles across the mythic sequences. These actors, many of Indigenous descent, lent authenticity to the depictions of and ancestral characters drawn from oral traditions. Tribal representations extend beyond the Lakota Sioux protagonists, with the miniseries incorporating nine distinct legends sourced from multiple Native nations, including Pawnee, , , and Blackfeet traditions, each featuring tribe-specific costumes, languages, and rituals. To achieve cultural accuracy, the production employed fifteen Native American and Native Canadian advisors who guided elements like , regalia design, and narrative fidelity. Approximately 2,500 Native participants contributed overall, encompassing 95 speaking parts and 600 extras in the climactic scene filmed in . This involvement helped differentiate tribal-specific elements, such as distinct creation myths and archetypes, rather than homogenizing them under a generic "Indian" framework.

Release

Broadcast and Distribution

Dreamkeeper premiered as a two-part on ABC in the United States, with the first installment airing on December 28, 2003, from 9 to 11 p.m. ET, and the second on December 29, 2003, in the same time slot. The production was undertaken by Hallmark Entertainment, which managed distribution to ABC for its initial network broadcast. Hallmark, known for producing television films and for broadcast networks, facilitated the event as a four-hour epic drawing on Native American traditions. While primarily targeted at the U.S. audience, international releases followed in video and DVD formats in markets including and starting in 2004, though specific overseas television broadcasts remain undocumented in primary sources.

Home Media and Streaming

Dreamkeeper was first released on DVD by Hallmark Home Entertainment on March 1, 2004, in a fullscreen format containing the complete . The two-disc set featured the full 180-minute runtime, including both parts of the production, and was distributed primarily in Region 1 for North American markets. No official wide-release Blu-ray edition has been issued , though limited Blu-ray versions, such as a combo pack imported from , became available in select international markets starting September 29, 2023. As of October 2025, the miniseries is accessible via multiple streaming platforms, including , where it is offered as a complete season for subscribers. It is also streamable on Peacock, including through its premium tier, and on ad-supported services like Freevee (via Prime Video) and . Additional options include Apple TV for purchase or rental, reflecting ongoing efforts to reach broader audiences beyond . Availability may vary by region and platform licensing agreements, with no free ad-supported television (FAST) service like offering the full series consistently.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Dreamkeeper received mixed reviews from critics upon its premiere as a two-part ABC miniseries on December 28 and 29, 2003. While praised for its visual grandeur and authentic portrayal of Native American folklore, it faced criticism for uneven storytelling and performances. Aggregate critic scores were limited due to its television format and modest promotional push, but audience reception was notably positive, with a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 100 user reviews. Variety's review highlighted the production's strengths in and effects, describing it as "lyrical, visually splendid and lavishly produced," with stunning sequences involving giant serpents, magical horses, and buffalo stampedes that compared favorably to prior Hallmark spectacles like . The publication commended the central performances, particularly August Schellenberg's portrayal of the grandfather as engaging and cagey, and noted the ' value in drawing from richly detailed Native American legends suitable for educational use. However, it critiqued the narrative as "hokey and predictable," with uneven acting from the predominantly Native American cast attributed to their limited prior screen experience, and occasional silly dialogue. Overall, Variety viewed it as a commendable breakthrough for Native representation despite flaws, though ABC's scheduling against major competition hindered broader success. In contrast, found the miniseries lacking in substance, calling it "long [and] unnecessarily incoherent" with special effects and editing that obscured the parables' content rather than enhancing them. acknowledged impressive dreamscapes, such as swirling smoke and double-vision elks, but argued they failed to convey genuine power or , resulting in exhausting rather than evocative sequences. The review appreciated simpler elements like present-day reservation scenes for their unadorned pleasure but faulted the overall romanticized vision of Lakota traditions for prioritizing atmosphere over narrative clarity. Other outlets echoed a balanced perspective; Moria Reviews lauded director Steve Barron's adaptation of multiple Native myths as "beautifully made" and "extremely well written," emphasizing its impressive craftsmanship akin to his earlier Arabian Nights. The praised its historical accuracy and use of authentic tribal input, positioning it as a vivid alternative to drier documentaries. These views underscored the miniseries' ambition in blending contemporary framing with legendary tales, though its episodic structure and fantastical elements divided opinions on coherence.

Audience and Cultural Response

Dreamkeeper received positive feedback from audiences, earning a 7.5 out of 10 rating on based on 1,841 user votes, with many reviewers highlighting its engaging storytelling and visual appeal despite its television production constraints. Audience scores on stood at 95% approval from 102 ratings, where viewers commended the film's integration of diverse indigenous narratives into a cohesive modern tale. Feedback often emphasized the movie's ability to captivate viewers interested in Native American lore, with one reviewer noting it held attention for its full three-hour runtime due to its cultural depth and execution. Cultural responses varied by demographic, with Native American viewers generally expressing stronger approval for the film's respectful portrayal of tribal legends and authenticity, as evidenced by enthusiastic discussions in Native-focused forums praising specific stories like the Thunder Boy legend for evoking cultural familiarity. Non-Native audiences showed more mixed reactions, sometimes critiquing elements as predictable or overly sentimental, though the production's use of an almost exclusively Native cast lent it credibility in representing indigenous perspectives. The film has been recognized for its role in educating broader audiences about the significance of oral traditions in Native cultures, where stories serve not merely as entertainment but as repositories of history, , and moral guidance, contributing to discussions on representation. Its emphasis on intergenerational resonated in therapeutic contexts, with educators and counselors citing it as a tool for exploring Native identity and resilience. Overall, Dreamkeeper fostered appreciation for tribal diversity while highlighting the challenges of translating sacred narratives to screen without dilution.

Awards and Recognition

Emmy Awards

Dreamkeeper earned one Primetime Emmy Award at the 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, presented on September 19, 2004, for programming from the 2003–2004 eligibility period. The miniseries won in the category of Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special, honoring the technical achievements in creating mythical and cultural elements integral to its storytelling, including dream sequences and tribal visions. The award went to visual effects supervisor Nicholas Brooks, along with producers Sophie Leclerc, Pierre Bonnet, and visual effects designer Eve Ramboz, among others, for their work on effects that blended practical and digital elements to depict Native American legends. Additionally, Dreamkeeper received a in the Outstanding Hairstyling for a , Movie or a Special category, recognizing the period-specific and culturally authentic hairstyles across diverse tribal representations in the production. This highlighted the attention to detail in portraying characters from various Indigenous nations, though it did not result in a win. No further Emmy nominations or wins were accorded to the in major categories such as directing, writing, or outstanding .

Other Honors

DreamKeeper won Best Film at the 2003 American Indian Film Festival, organized by the American Indian Film Institute. earned the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Pete Chasing Horse at the same event. Delanna Studi received Best Supporting Actress for her role as Janine Chasing Horse. The production was also nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Television Presentation by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films in 2004.

Legacy and Impact

Influence on Native American Media Representation

Dreamkeeper advanced Native American media representation through its extensive involvement of indigenous participants in production, employing approximately 2,500 Native Americans across roles from actors to cultural advisors, which ensured a degree of authenticity rare in earlier depictions. Producers Robert Halmi and resided on the Pine Ridge Reservation for two years, consulting elders and incorporating input from 15 tribal advisors to adapt legends from tribes including Lakota, , and Blackfeet. This collaborative process resulted in portrayals that integrated traditional myths with contemporary Native life, such as reservations featuring modern vehicles alongside , thereby humanizing characters as multifaceted individuals rather than adhering to tropes like the "magical Indian." The eschewed common by grounding elements in cultural narratives without romanticizing or exoticizing them, as evidenced by the Pete Chasing Horse—a veteran and storyteller—whose insights derive from lived experience rather than . Featuring a predominantly Native cast, including actors like (Mohawk) and (Lakota), it presented diverse tribal stories through a coming-of-age framework, emphasizing oral traditions' role in preserving history and . This approach educated mainstream audiences on indigenous heritage while fostering cultural pride among Native viewers, with Halmi noting the production's intent to affirm that "young Indians today know that they have a great culture." In the broader context of early 21st-century television, Dreamkeeper exemplified efforts to undermine reductive representations, serving as a model for future projects by prioritizing Native consultation and casting over non-indigenous approximations. Academic analyses highlight its distinction in delivering three-dimensional characters from a Native perspective, contributing to a gradual shift toward indigenous-led in media, though it remained an outlier amid persistent Hollywood underrepresentation. Its Emmy recognition further validated these practices, potentially encouraging networks to invest in authentic indigenous content.

Educational and Storytelling Value

Dreamkeeper serves an educational function by presenting a compilation of traditional Native American legends drawn from multiple tribes, including Lakota, , and Pawnee mythologies, thereby exposing audiences to diverse indigenous narratives that reflect historical, cultural, and spiritual elements central to these communities. The illustrates the role of in preserving tribal histories and moral teachings, as the grandfather figure recounts tales during a contemporary journey, emphasizing intergenerational transmission of knowledge that mirrors real Native practices where stories encode ethical lessons and ancestral wisdom. Educational guides associated with the production highlight its utility in fostering appreciation for Native American history and figurative language in oral traditions, encouraging viewers to explore cultural contexts beyond entertainment. In terms of storytelling value, the film's structure embeds mythical vignettes within a framing of a Lakota elder and his grandson's road trip to the Wounded Knee Massacre site—completed on December 29, 1890—creating a layered epic that blends realism with fantasy to evoke the immersive quality of indigenous lore. This technique, akin to traditional Native methods of weaving to convey deeper truths, uses to animate legends like spirit quests and figures, though some critiques note dilution through stylized production choices rather than strict authenticity. The 's focus on redemption and cultural reconnection through shared tales underscores 's therapeutic potential, as analyzed in applications to counseling where such films model relational via metaphorical indigenous narratives. By prioritizing an almost exclusively Native American cast, including performers like Gerald Auger as the elder and as supporting roles rooted in tribal authenticity, Dreamkeeper enhances its credibility in depicting cultural continuity, offering a to mainstream portrayals often criticized for external biases. Overall, its value lies in bridging entertainment with cultural education, prompting reflection on the enduring relevance of oral histories in maintaining identity amid modernization, without fabricating unified tribal homogeneity across its sourced myths.

References

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