And the Emmy goes to... "Resurrecting Forest Grove"!

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Tammy and Kelly Rundle of Fourth Wall Films are VERY pleased to announce that their feature-length documentary "Resurrecting Forest Grove" won an EMMY AWARD for Best Historical Documentary during last night's Mid America Regional Emmy ceremony held in Kansas City! This is our FIFTH EMMY win!

Our sincere congratulations to EVERYONE involved in the film. A special note of congratulations to preservationist Sharon Andresen, Barb Andersen and the Blunk family, Forest Grove School Preservation, and all of those involved in the challenging and uplifting historic Forest Grove School No. 5 preservation project. Both projects (the film and the decade-long rehabilitation effort) were labors of love and and it's wonderful to receive this recognition and confirmation.

To purchase the Resurrecting Forest Grove DVD or to Stream this multi-award winning film visit: https://docublogger.typepad.com/fourth_wall_store/resurrecting-forest-grove.html

To tour the rehabilitated Forest Grove School No. 5 located in Bettendorf, Iowa, visit https://forestgroveschool.org/ !


"Resurrecting Forest Grove" among Films Showcased at Cedar River Film Festival

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The Cedar River Film Festival celebrates Iowa film, Nov. 2-3 at the historic Oster Regent Theatre in Cedar Falls. We are so pleased that "Resurrecting Forest Grove" is among the selected films being showcased.

Visit https://www.mycfct.org/CRFF for details and ticket info!

381927307_279785444886925_2077473124773401443_n adjForest Grove School No. 5 in 2009.

In 2012, a small group of preservationists stood before the hollowed-out shell of the unique and historic 1873 Forest Grove School No. 5. In the shadow of the gray, windowless, sagging structure they decided it could, and should, be saved.

Resurrecting Forest Grovea new documentary by Emmy award-winning filmmakers Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films, cinematically tells the dramatic true story behind the seemingly-impossible task of restoring a vintage one-room school to its 1920s appearance. Footage and interviews gathered over a seven-year period depict the problems they faced and the solutions they employed as they attempted to bring this rural icon back to life. The surprises and successes of this challenging restoration project are intercut with a vivid historical portrait of the 'Roaring 20s' in rural America.

Resurrecting Forest Grove is partially funded by a grant from Humanities Iowa, and the The National Endowment for the Humanities.

Visit https://forestgroveschool.org/ for info about Forest Grove School No. 5 and tour information.

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Tammy & Kelly Rundle of Fourth Wall Films, producers of RESURRECTING FOREST GROVE.

Stream the Emmy-nominated RESURRECTING FOREST GROVE or purchase the DVD HERE!


"Resurrecting Forest Grove" helps raise funds for Spragueville, Iowa One-room schoolhouse

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On Sunday, October 13th Fourth Wall Films presented a special benefit screening of their new documentary "Resurrecting Forest Grove" at the Spragueville Community Center in Spragueville, Iowa to help raise money for North Bend Community Center Schoolhouse. Funds raised went toward the new roof NBCC was putting on the one-room schoolhouse.

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A complete restoration of North Bend Community Center's one-room school was completed in 2006 by volunteers, former students and teachers. Their restoration story is similar to the rehabilitation story of Forest Grove School No. 5, located in Bettendorf, Iowa.

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Prior to screening "Resurrecting Forest Grove" at the fundraising event, the Rundles presented clips featuring North Bend's inspiring restoration story from their Emmy-nominated "Country School: One Room - One Nation". Many memories were shared during the discussion, including all of the heavy-lifting hands-on work Richard Ganzer did on the North Bend's schoolhouse.

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In 2009 NBCC rolled out the red carpet to Fourth Wall Films during filming, and arranged for committee members, historians, former students and teachers to be present to tell their stories for the "Country School: One Room - One Nation" documentary project. 

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The Rundles' Emmy-nominated documentary feature "Resurrecting Forest Grove" (2023) screened at the special fundraiser and received a very warm reception by the crowd. The film brought laughter and tears to attendees.

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2024 North Benders pose for a picture following a tearful and happy fundraising film event.
 
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Kelly and Tammy Rundle join their North Bender friends for a final photo at the event. It was a wonderful afternoon together, doing some good for a very special one-room schoolhouse that sits on a hill in Spragueville, Iowa, filled with memories and stories from the past.

Screening of Emmy-nominated “Resurrecting Forest Grove” slated Oct. 13 in Spragueville

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By the Bellevue Herald

Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films will screen their new Emmy-nominated documentary “Resurrecting Forest Grove” on Sunday, October 13 at 1 p.m. as part of a benefit screening for the North bend Community Center Schoolhouse near Spragueville.  Doors open at 12:30 p.m. at the Spragueville Community Center. 

670404ca0466f.image Jody PhippsNorth Bend Community Center, Spragueville, IA. Photo courtesy Jody Phipps.

A question and answer session with the Emmy  filmmakers will follow the one-hour film. In addition, excerpts from “Country School: One Room: One Nation” featuring North Bend Community Center’s successful and inspiring restoration story will be showcased during the program. Desserts and beverages will be available to purchase.

“Resurrecting Forest Grove” cinematically tells the dramatic true story behind the seemingly impossible task of restoring a vintage one-room school to its 1920s appearance. Footage and interviews gathered over a decade depict the problems they faced and the solutions they employed as they attempted to bring this decaying rural icon back to life. The surprises and successes of this challenging restoration project are intercut with a vivid historical portrait of the 'Roaring 20s' in rural America.

READ THE REST OF THE BELLEVUE HERALD STORY HERE!

Order the award-winning documentaries COUNTRY SCHOOL: ONE ROOM - ONE NATION and RESURRECTING FOREST GROVE on DVD or STREAM them at https://fourthwallfilms.com/.


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Fourth Wall Films has received TWO Emmy nominations. One for their feature length documentary "Resurrecting Forest Grove" and on for their 27-minute environmental documentary "Moved by Waters"!

Filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle wrote:

CONGRATULATIONS TO Sharon Andresen for her inspiring vision, determination and dedication, for her tireless hard work and belief that it COULD be done; to Barbara Andersen, Rod Blunk and the Blunk family for preserving this educational icon and sharing their family history with us; to Doug Steinmetz for saying YES, it can be saved; to Ben Taylor and all of the craftsmen involved in the restoration process; to the donors of money, materials, artifacts and props; to the grantors; to the many volunteers who gave and continue to give; to the Forest Grove School Preservation board members for their incredible support; to the historians and scholars who took part in the film; to the amazing Forest Grove students whose stories brought the school back to life; and to the marvelous teachers of Forest Grove who continue to teach us. And finally, a big thank you to WQPT PBS for the broadcast premieres of these films and for being Fourth Wall Films' broadcast partner! 

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this beautiful project. We were honored to document the story as it unfolded over the years and to capture the stories for RESURRECTING FOREST GROVE.

We are forever grateful to all of you and will always be inspired by this little one-room school and all who worked so hard to save her! 

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Purchase RESURRECTING FOREST GROVE on DVD at: https://docublogger.typepad.com/fourth_wall_store/

Stream RESURRECTING FOREST GROVE at: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/resurrectingforestgrove


"Resurrecting Forest Grove" screens in Clear Lake/Mason City Sept. 7 at Iowa Independent Film Festival

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“Resurrecting Forest Grove” will screen at the Iowa Independent Film Festival on Saturday, September 7th at the Lake Theatre, 4 North 4th Street, in Clear Lake, Iowa during the 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Block. The new documentary produced by Emmy award-winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films, is among fifty films officially selected to be showcased at the festival held in Mason City and Clear Lake, Iowa.

“We are looking forward to attending the Iowa Independent Film Festival this year, seeing "Resurrecting Forest Grove" on the big screen, and taking part in a Q&A after the film,” producer/director Kelly Rundle said.

“Our sincere thanks to the IIFF committee for selecting "Resurrecting Forest Grove," said producer/writer Tammy Rundle. "We wish a big congratulations to everyone in front of and behind the camera in this special film project!” Others from the film, including preservationist Sharon Andresen, will join the Rundles at IIFF for the special screening.

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The Rundles began documenting the Forest Grove story in the winter of 2012, when a small group of preservationists--led by project visionary Sharon Andresen--stood before the hollowed-out shell of the unique and historic 1873 Forest Grove School No. 5 in Bettendorf, Iowa, and decided it could and should be saved. “Resurrecting Forest Grove” cinematically tells the dramatic true story behind the seemingly-impossible task of restoring a vintage one-room school to its 1920s appearance. Footage and interviews gathered over a decade depict the problems they faced and the solutions they employed as they attempted to bring this decaying rural icon back to life. The surprises and successes of this challenging restoration project are intercut with a vivid historical portrait of the 'Roaring 20s' in rural Iowa and America.

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IIFF selected films will screen at the Lake Theatre in Clear Lake, the Mason City Community Theatre and the Mason City Public Library in Mason City Iowa September 5th-7th. For more details, to purchase tickets and to review the film schedule visit www.iifilmfestival.org.


Award-winning “Resurrecting Forest Grove” is Iowa Independent Film Festival Official Selection

OFFICIAL SELECTION - Iowa Independent Film Festival 2024 - Resurrecting Forest Grove

“Resurrecting Forest Grove”, a new documentary produced by Emmy award-winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films, is an Official Selection at the 17th Annual Iowa Independent Film Festival.

“We are very pleased that "Resurrecting Forest Grove" is an Official Selection at the Iowa Independent Film Festival in Mason City and Clear Lake, Iowa” producer/director Kelly Rundle said. “The film was chosen from among more than 200 entries from around the world. We thank the IIFF committee, and wish congratulations to everyone in front of and behind the camera in this special film project!”

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In the winter of 2012, a small group of preservationists in Bettendorf, Iowa stood before the hollowed-out shell of the unique and historic 1873 Forest Grove School No. 5 and decided it could and should be saved.

Resurrecting Forest Grove” cinematically tells the dramatic true story behind the seemingly-impossible task of restoring a vintage one-room school to its 1920s appearance. Footage and interviews gathered over a decade depict the problems they faced and the solutions they employed as they attempted to bring this decaying rural icon back to life. The surprises and successes of this challenging restoration project are intercut with a vivid historical portrait of the 'Roaring 20s' in rural Iowa and America.

“Resurrecting Forest Grove” recently received the top Award of Excellence from the Iowa Motion Picture Association, and the 2024 national Award for Scholarship and Artistry from the Country School Association of America

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IIFF selected films will screen at the Lake Theatre in Clear Lake, the Mason City Community Theatre and the Mason City Public Library in Mason City Iowa September 5th-7th. Tickets and schedule are available at www.iifilmfestival.org.


National Civic Season Event 2024 features Documentaries by Fourth Wall Films

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A new film and excerpts from three other films by Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Moline-based Fourth Wall Films are among content and events selected from thousands of submissions from over 400 cultural and civic institutions across the United States for the fourth annual Civic Season that begins on Juneteenth and ends July 4th.

“We are proud that our film work has been selected for Civic Season for a fourth consecutive year,” Kelly Rundle of Fourth Wall Films said. “It allows us to reach a younger national audience with important and compelling American history stories.”

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The Rundles’ new award-winning environmental film “Moved by Waters” (2024) and excerpts from “Resurrecting Forest Grove” (2023), “Sons and Daughters of Thunder” (2019), and “The Amish Incident: Wisconsin vs Yoder” (2020) are showcased on the Civic Season website.

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Civic Season is the flagship program from Made By Us, a network of hundreds of museums, historic sites, libraries and archives unleashing access to history for younger generations who have the most at stake. The Season begins on June 15 with 2,000+ celebrations and events online and across the nation.

0006AJ.01_41_45_16.Still001Former slave James Bradley (played by actor Jaylen Marks) addresses the crowd at the Lane Debates of 1834 in a scene from the Emmy-nominated SONS & DAUGHTERS OF THUNDER.

“Civic Season is a time to explore your story - and how it connects to U.S. history - through events, activities, and resources from credible sources. This summer, no matter where you are, you can connect to stories, inspiration and tools to help you power our democracy,” according to a Civic Season press release.

Explore Civic Season content and events at https://www.thecivicseason.com/.

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The 2024 Civic Season is made possible thanks to generous support from the Mellon Foundation, Mars Wrigley AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate, the Carlos Foundation, the Americana Foundation, Frontline Impact Project, and other supporters and collaborators.

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Fourth Wall Films is a four-time Emmy® winning and award-winning independent film and media production company based in Moline, Illinois. For more information visit FourthWallFilms.com.


Remembering Forest Grove Teacher Marilyn Schmidt Lemmon (1930-2024)

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We join with so many others remembering the wonderful Forest Grove School No. 5 teacher Marilyn Schmidt Lemmon, who passed away April 27th.

As Marilyn said in her interview for RESURRECTING FOREST GROVE, she loved teaching kids--that was important to her. And, her students loved her. She was magical.

Sharon & MarilynMarilyn Lemmon and Sharon Andresen during a special screening of REMEMBERING FOREST GROVE at Forest Grove School, where Marilyn was a former teacher.

Forest Grove School Preservationist Sharon Andresen said of Marilyn, "[She was] the last living teacher from Forest Grove No 5. Marilyn was so kind and loving. Her story lives on in ”Resurrecting Forest Grove”. My sincerest sympathy to her family and friends."

This past weekend "Resurrecting Forest Grove" received the top Award of Excellence from the Iowa Motion Picture Association in the Feature Documentary category. We dedicate this win in honor of Marilyn Lemmon. What a blessing to have met her and to have preserved some of her memories about her time at Forest Grove. None of us will ever forget her.

Chuck Watson points at photo_altForest Grove School teacher Marilyn Schmidt Lemmon's former student Chuck Watkins points her out in a photo. She looks as young as the students she taught in the one-room schoolhouse.

Lemmon FamilyForest Grove teacher Marilyn Schmidt Lemmon's sits at the teacher's desk surrounded by her family.

 

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To learn more about Forest Grove School No. 5, visit https://www.forestgroveschool.org/


Two Fourth Wall Films’ Documentaries win Awards from Iowa Motion Picture Association

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Two documentaries films produced by Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Moline-based Fourth Wall Films received two Iowa Motion Picture Association awards at the 33rd Annual Award Ceremony on Saturday, May 4th at the Bowman Fine Arts Center in Forest City, Iowa.

The Iowa Motion Picture Association recognized outstanding creative and technical achievement in Iowa’s film industry in 57 categories.

The Rundles’ won the top award in the Documentary Feature category for “Resurrecting Forest Grove”.

“Resurrecting Forest Grove” cinematically tells the dramatic true story behind the seemingly-impossible task of restoring a vintage one-room school to its 1920s appearance. Footage and interviews gathered over a decade depict the problems they faced and the solutions they employed as they attempted to bring the decaying rural icon back to life. The surprises and successes of this challenging restoration project are intercut with a vivid historical portrait of the 'Roaring 20s' in rural America.’ More information on Forest Grove School No. 5 can be found at https://forestgroveschool.org/

Fourth Wall Films’ environmental documentary “Moved by Waters" won Best Documentary Short.

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“Moved by Waters” is an uplifting and inspirational documentary that depicts collaborative projects involving organizations and diverse groups of students, teachers, artists, farmers, and volunteers of all ages in the Quad Cities region--setting aside political or other differences--all working toward improving the quality of water in the Upper Mississippi Watershed. The film was made possible by a grant from Roger Ross Gipple of BeWildReWild.

“We are grateful to the Iowa Motion Picture Association for honoring our documentary films with these awards, and the inspiring people behind the important work of historic preservation, and clean water for all creatures great and small,” said producer Tammy Rundle.

“Moved by Waters” recently screened during Earth Day festivities in Gaithersburg/Washington D.C., and will screen on May 10th at 7 p.m. at the RPL Nordlof Center, 18 N Main St, Rockford, Illinois. A Q&A with the Rundles will follow the screening. The free-to-the-public event is sponsored by the Sinnissippi Audubon Society and kicks off the World Migratory Bird Day celebration.

Kelly and Tammy Rundle are the owners of Fourth Wall Films, a four-time regional Emmy award-winning independent media production company formerly located in Los Angeles, California and now based in Moline, Illinois.