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! 

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

“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.

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.

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 5^th-7^th. 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

“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 17^th 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!”

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. 

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 5^th-7^th. Tickets and schedule are available at www.iifilmfestival.org.

National Civic Season Event 2024 features Documentaries by Fourth Wall Films

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.”

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.

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.

Former 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/.

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.

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.

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

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.

“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 10^th 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.

Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival Selects "Resurrecting Forest Grove"

RESURRECTING FOREST GROVE is an Official Selection at the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival! The film will screen twice at the fabulous Collins Road Theatres, 1462 Twixt Town Rd, Marion, IA: Friday, April 5th at 12:20PM and Saturday, April 6th at 6PM.

Get your tickets in advance at CRIFM.org!

Do share the news with your Iowa City/Cedar Rapids/Waterloo friends, family and acquaintances.

Black Hawk Lifelong Learner Lunch features "Resurrecting Forest Grove" March 7

Filmmakers Tammy & Kelly Rundle of Fourth Wall Films will present their new documentary "Resurrecting Forest Grove" Black Hawk College's Lifelong Learner Luncheon held at the QC Botanical Center, 2525 4th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois, on Thursday, March 7th at 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. $25/pp.

Registration closes on February 28th. (Registration is required at 309-796-8223)

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 Grove", a 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.

Forest Grove film to screen in Bettendorf

Kelly & Tammy Rundle filming during a blizzard at Forest Grove School No. 5 for their documentary "Resurrecting Forest Grove" in 2021.

By WHBF-TV4: Jonathan Turner

Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Moline-based Fourth Wall Films will screen their new documentary “Resurrecting Forest Grove” on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 1:30 p.m. at Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus Drive.

A Q&A with the Emmy award-winning filmmakers will follow the 58-minute film.

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 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.

Read the rest of the WHBF story by Jonathan Turner HERE!

~ ~ ~

PRE-ORDER the new "Resurrecting Forest Grove" DVD at ForestGroveMovie.com and save! The DVD will be released and shipped in February 2024!

THANK YOU for supporting our ongoing American history film work through your purchase! https://fourthwallfilms.com/

 

Bettendorf Library Kicks off New Year with Screening of "Resurrecting Forest Grove" Jan. 18

The new crowd-pleasing documentary “Resurrecting Forest Grove” produced by Emmy award-winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films will kick off New Year programming at the Bettendorf Public Library on Thursday, January 18, 1:30 p.m.  A Q&A with the Emmy award-winning filmmakers will follow the 58-minute film. The Bettendorf Public Library is located at 2950 Learning Campus Dr, Bettendorf, Iowa.  Seating is limited.

"This is a Bettendorf story and we can't think of a better place in Bettendorf to showcase "Resurrecting Forest Grove" that the Bettendorf Public Library, said director-writer Kelly Rundle.

The Rundles first visited Forest Grove School in Bettendorf, Iowa in 2009 while filming the decaying school in a blizzard for their Emmy-nominated historical documentary Country School: One Room – One Nation. The school appeared to be on the brink of collapse. 

Photo courtesy Forest Grove School Preservation.

In 2012, a small group of preservationists 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 America.

The 10-year restoration project was featured in Historic Preservation’s “Preservation” magazine. Forest Grove School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Forest Grove School No. 5 received official designation as a Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) Site.

The documentary premiered on the Giant Screen at the Putnam Museum in Davenport, Iowa on September 23rd for the historic school's 150th Anniversary celebration. The event sold out. "Resurrecting Forest Grove" will be released on DVD in February 2024, visit ForestGroveMovie.com to PRE-ORDER the DVD. The film will screen at special events and film festivals in 2024, with PBS broadcasts to be announced.

Forest Grove School No. 5 is located at 24040 Forest Grove Dr. in Bettendorf and is open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. during the summer, or by appointment. For more information, visit www.ForestGroveSchool.org.

“Resurrecting Forest Grove” was partially funded by grants from Humanities Iowa, a state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Moline Foundation. For more information about the new documentary, visit www.ForestGroveMovie.com.

Fourth Wall Films is a four-time Emmy award-winning independent media production company formerly located in Los Angeles, and now based in Moline, Illinois.

Corey Kendrick Trio plays at premiere of "Resurrecting Forest Grove" Sept. 23

We are pleased to announce that the outstanding Corey Kendrick Trio will be performing for premiere guests at the "Resurrecting Forest Grove" premiere event. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at the Putnam Museum in Davenport, Iowa at 1 p.m. to enjoy their fabulous jazz featuring a few selections from the 'Roaring '20s'!

The 2 p.m. showing of "Resurrecting Forest Grove" is officially SOLD OUT. But, GOOD NEWS! A 5 p.m. encore showing of the film, with Q&A following, has been added.

But don't delay, get your tickets PRONTO at Putnam.org!