Mel Gibson's effort to find an native cast for his new film "Apocalypto," which depicts the end of the Mayan civilization, is drawing admire from American Indian leaders.

Gibson wanted an indigenous cast for the project, so the filmmakers found people from the Yucatan, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Xalapa, Veracruz and other spots.

Two of the cast members are from the United States, three are from Canada and the rest hail from Central America.

"It is very important to note that Mr. Gibson has gone to great lengths to cast indigenous people in this film. This not only helps make the film more realistic, it serves as an inspiration to Native American actors who aspire to perform relevant roles in the film industry", Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby said.

Gibson screened the film Friday for a sold-out audience at Chickasaw Nation's Riverwind Casino. The proceeds go to American Indian health organizations and charities.

Rudy Youngblood, and Raoul Trujillo arrived in sports utility vehicles and stood on Riverwind's version of the red carpet a black carpet that led into the theater to pose for photographers.

The movie opens in theaters Dec. 8.

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