A letter from Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley has prompted the suspension of further payments of public funds to a film project about Ponca Chief Standing Bear.
In a 45-page letter to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), Foley said “I Am A Man,” a company formed to produce a biopic about Ponca Chief Standing Bear of the same name, did not secure $5 million in matching funds required under the agreement to receive a grant of the same amount.
The state awarded the grant in November 2023, with plans for a $10 million production split between public funding and private investment. While the state ultimately disbursed more than $4.1 million, Foley said auditors found no evidence the matching funds ever materialized.
According to the letter, the company (IAAM) acknowledged the funds had not been secured. Despite contract language requiring proof of matching funds before payments were made, Foley said the department continued issuing funds through December 2025.
After reviewing the findings, Foley says DED issued a notice of suspension to IAAM on April 17, stating the company “has materially failed to comply” with the agreement and halting additional payments.
Foley’s letter also raises concerns about how grant money was used, including allegations that funds were shifted between related companies and used for expenses not allowed under the agreement.
“Besides misleading DED about having obtained $5 million in matching funds, IAAM reported expenses paid with grant money, ignoring a prohibition in the award agreement against that very activity,” Foley said.
The grant award was intended not only to produce a film about Standing Bear, but also to drive economic development in North and South Omaha. Foley noted the company is now seeking changes that would allow filming outside those areas.
State officials warned the grant could be terminated if the issues are not resolved.
“DED took the correct action in stopping the grant payments to IAAM until these concerns are rectified.” Foley added. “The final decision regarding the fate of this film project lies with DED, but my office intends to keep a close eye on what transpires to ensure that public funds are not squandered.”
To see the detailed letter from Foley, visit auditors.nebraska.gov.