about me

Hello!

Welcome to my world of storytelling, I’m Cyrus Norcross—an award-winning photojournalist, director, actor, writer, and producer from the Navajo Nation. My passion for storytelling stems from a deep commitment to amplifying narratives that matter, rooted in the rich oral traditions and resilience of my upbringing.

My creative journey began in high school theater, where I learned stagecraft, lighting, and acting in productions like Footloose. This early exposure provided a strong foundation for my future pursuits in film and storytelling.

I served as an Army Ranger in the 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. This chapter of my life instilled in me the discipline, adaptability, and leadership skills that would later become essential in my creative career.

After my military service, I spent time as a contractor training the 39th Squadron of the Royal Air Force, and transitioned to photojournalism, capturing powerful and authentic stories that highlighted both the beauty and the challenges of my community. My work has been featured in respected publications such as Navajo Times, Indian Country Today, and more, and my investigative reporting on missing and murdered Indigenous people earned recognition from the Indigenous Journalism Association and Military Veterans in Journalism.

I am a contributing author to the book Violence of Action: The Untold Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror. I am also the host of Warriors at Heart, a podcast dedicated to sharing the stories of Native American Veterans, providing them with a platform to share their experiences and perspectives.

Expanding from photojournalism into filmmaking, I embraced roles as an actor, writer, director, and producer. My projects are known for their authenticity and dedication to diverse narratives. The short Western-comedy Deadman's Deed showcases this approach, combining humor, resilience, and the unique storytelling voice I’ve cultivated over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with other veteran filmmakers, sharing collective experiences to create work that resonates with audiences. Through every medium—whether photojournalism, film, or performance—I aim to inspire, uplift, and celebrate the power of stories that connect us all.