TIFF 2026: Cheyenne | Interview with Taimi Arvidson

Watching Cheyenne is an adrenaline rush from beginning to end, but what stayed with me most was the deeply human story underneath the wild bronc riding. Director Taimi Arvidson introduces us to four fearless cowgirls whose reasons for getting on those horses may differ, but whose determination, resilience, and sisterhood are impossible not to admire. What makes the documentary so powerful is the way it balances the exhilaration of the sport with its very real emotional and physical toll, constantly reminding us how thin the veil between living and dying can be. In our conversation, Arvidson opened up about her fascination with these women, the years she spent building relationships with them, and the personal demons they are each learning to confront. She also spoke candidly about making the film independently, often with little more than maxed-out credit cards, dreams, and the generosity of collaborators like cinematographer Nick Midwig, who captured both the breathtaking rides and quieter moments of intimacy. Most movingly, Arvidson described the “cowgirl spirit” not as something that requires a horse, but as a willingness to choose your own path and be fearless in your own life. That spirit is exactly what I felt watching Cheyenne, and I left the film feeling genuinely inspired, empowered, and with my own inner cowgirl cheering from the sidelines. To see this deeply personal labor of love finally reach its world premiere at TIFF 2026, where Arvidson and all four cowgirls could experience it together with audiences, made the entire journey feel like a beautiful dream finally coming true.

The 51st edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) runs September 10–20, 2026