James Dommek Jr. and Kahlil Hudson Talk ‘Blood & Myth’ And Teddy Kyle Smith Meeting

Emmy Award winning filmmaker Kahlil Hudson (Navajo Police: Class 57, Independent Lens ep. ‘Wildland’) collaborated with storyteller James Dommek Jr. for the documentary Blood & Myth. Based on Dommek Jr.’s bestselling Audible original Midnight Son, the documentary premieres September 4 on Hulu.

The documentary focuses on James Dommek Jr.’s desire to learn more about Teddy Kyle Smith, a fellow Iñupiaq man who shot two men back in 2012. A former Marine and actor, Smith claimed an encounter with Iñukuns, beings that were part of the Iñupiaq people’s culture, led him to the criminal act.

Was there a paranormal connection behind Teddy Kyle Smith’s actions, or did he cook up the story for jail leniency? James Dommek Jr.’s exploration of his own culture and Teddy Kyle Smith forms the basis for Blood & Myth, and his eventual meeting with Smith is documented in the final act.

Hudson and Dommek Jr. prepped for over a year before they actually started shooting. “So James and I got to know each other well,” said Hudson. “Mostly virtually as is the case these days.”

Dommek Jr.’s journey with Midnight Son and Blood & Myth has been a lengthy road. “It was all just new territory for me,” said Dommek Jr. “And I figured I’d try something new and put my best foot forward. (With) all the evidence and the court audio and everything that existed, I just knew it was a good story. (As far as) how am I different, I guess I just know a little bit more.” I know the story very well now inside and out.”

Full interview with Kahlil Hudson and James Dommek Jr., in which they discuss their meeting with Teddy Kyle Smith, is featured in our video: