Inspired by the hit 1975 song by Michael Martin Murphey - WILDFIRE builds on the premise of a young girl and a mysterious horse by adding in the "Legend of the Cherokee Ghost Horse" - a magical creature that serves as a symbolic bridge to the afterlife. WILDFIRE was shot primarily in and around Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in the heart of the 14-county Cherokee Nation of Eastern Oklahoma. Many scenes were shot on Sparrowhawk Mountain and alongside the Illinois River at the same locations as were utilized for the family film classic, "Where the Red Fern Grows."
One of Anne Heche's final films.
Anne Heche stars and her younger son Atlas Tupper (father is ex-James Tupper) appears as well.
Creative consultation for the film - including help with the "Ghost Horse" element and Cherokee language words and pronunciations (including within the song ADAYGAYUDI) - was provided by Elders of the United Keetowah Band of the Cherokee Indians. Although shot in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, the film was not produced in association with the "Cherokee Film Office" division of the Cherokee Nation - a separate tribe.