Sons & Daughters of Thunder

"Sons & Daughters of Thunder" Trailer

Film Reviewer McNaulty Shares His Insight on "Sons & Daughters of Thunder"

Sons & Daughters of Thunder is finding another audience in churches with screening events popping up in a variety of locations in the Midwest, including St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa on Tuesday, November 9th at 7pm.

This summer Sons & Daughters of Thunder received The Power of Voice Award at the Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio where film reviewer Ed McNaulty first saw the film. For over 30 years he has been publishing film reviews, study guides and books that explore the inspiring connections between faith and popular culture. We share a portion of his film review of Thunder below, and encourage you to click through to read it in its entirety.

We are humbled and grateful for this insightful evaluation of Sons & Daughters of Thunder and applaud every single person involved in the production.

Tammy & Kelly Rundle, Fourth Wall Films

~ ~ ~

"This is an earnest and rewarding docudrama shedding light on the origins of one of the most influential novels in American history..."  ~Ed McNulty, film reviewer for VISUAL PARABLES.

Director Kelly Rundle’s film about the students’ debates in 1834 over slavery at Cincinnati’s Lane Seminary is based on the play by Earlene Hawley and Curtiss Heeter. I knew I would like this film at its very beginning when right before the front titles abolitionist Frederick Douglas (played by Mark Winn) is shown delivering his famous July 4th speech at Rochester NY in 1852. Best known as “What to the Slave is the 4th of July,” the long oration* is a polite but scathing indictment of what today we call systemic racism. This Jeremiad bookends the film, a slightly longer portion concluding it.

Also, as an alumnus of McCormick Theological Seminary and recipient of a Lane Scholarship, I was keenly interested in the film’s setting, the newly established Lane Seminary in the river boat town. When Lane went out of existence, the Chicago-based McCormick received most of its assets. The earlier seminary never recovered from the student rebellion and ceased operations in 1932.

Read the rest of Ed McNulty's film review at Visual Parables.

Based on the play by Earlene Hawley and Curtis Heeter, the film tells the unforgettable true story of the first-in-the-nation 1834 emancipation debates led by firebrand abolitionist Theodore Weld (Thomas Alan Taylor) in Cincinnati, Ohio, and their effect on a young Harriet Beecher Stowe’s (Jessica Taylor) views of slavery.

The film was co-produced by Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films and Kent Hawley, and Executive Producer Kimberly Kurtenbach. Award-winning cinematographer Kevin Railsback served as the Director of Photography.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder was partially funded by a grant from the Quad City Arts, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, with support from Friends of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation, and the Bix Biederbecke Inn. The Moline Foundation and the Shell Rock Community Historical Society served as the fiscal sponsors on the film project.  The film is co-produced by Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films and Kent Hawley. Kimberly Kurtenbach is the Executive Producer of the film.

Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films are the producers of multiple award-winning historical documentaries and the Mid-America Emmy® nominated documentaries Good Earth: Awakening the Silent City, Country School: One Room – One Nation, River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 and Letters Home to Hero Street (co-produced with WQPT). 

To order any of Fourth Wall Films documentaries or film projects on DVD or view them via streaming, visit SHOP FOURTH WALL FILMS.

 

Special "Sons & Daughters of Thunder" Screening and Q&A at St. Paul Lutheran Church Nov. 9

Jessica Taylor (Harriet Beecher) and Thomas Alan Taylor (Theodore Weld) in SONS & DAUGHTERS OF THUNDER.

A special screening of the award-winning docudrama Sons & Daughters of Thunder will be showcased at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2136 Brady Street, Davenport, Iowa on Tuesday, November 9 at 700 PM. The event is free to the public. Q&A with Emmy®-winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle (Fourth Wall Films), Executive Producer Kimberly Kurtenbach, the films' stars Jessica Taylor and Thomas Alan Taylor, and the film's composer William Campbell will follow the film. The film received three Mid-America Emmy® nominations in 2020, including Original Score by William Campbell.

Mark Winn as Frederick Douglass in SONS & DAUGHTERS OF THUNDER.

Discussing the abolition of slavery in 1834 was considered radical, even in the North. Organized by firebrand abolitionist Theodore Weld (Thomas Alan Taylor), the nation’s first public debates at Lane Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio led to near riot conditions in the city. The shocking oratory sparked intense controversy and awakened a young Harriet Beecher (Stowe) to the horrors of slavery. Harriet (Jessica Taylor) was captivated by Weld’s charismatic leadership at a time when Calvin Stowe was trying to win her heart. Inspired by Weld and the debates, Harriet later distilled her Cincinnati experiences into the world-wide best-selling novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. This forgotten true story from award-winning filmmakers Kelly Rundle and Tammy Rundle was a prelude to America’s Civil War.

William Cambell produced the original score for "Thunder" and received an Emmy-nomination.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder is based on the play by Earlene Hawley and Curtis Heeter, and tells the unforgettable true story of the beginning of the end of slavery in America. The film was shot by award-winning director of photography Kevin Railsback.

SONS & DAUGHTERS OF THUNDER was written by playwright, Earlene Hawley and the film is based on her play.

The film received the Harriet Beecher Stowe Power of Voice Award at the Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival, and won seven Iowa Motion Picture Awards.

Kimberly Kurtenbach as Catharine Beecher in SONS & DAUGHTERS OF THUNDER. Kim was the Executive Producer and casting director of the Emmy-nominated film.

"This is an earnest and rewarding docudrama shedding light on the origins of one of the most influential novels in American history," Ed McNulty, Visual Parables.

“Sons & Daughters of Thunder is a fascinating, inspiring slice of influential U.S. history told with characteristic grace, intelligence and emotional power…” wrote Jonathan Turner, film reviewer from the Dispatch-Argus.

Principal photography for Sons & Daughters of Thunder took place at several historic sites in Illinois, including Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum and Augustana College's House on the Hill in Rock Island; the Jenny Lind Chapel in Andover; the Dillon Home Museum in Sterling; the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati, Ohio; and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford, Connecticut.

The producers note that the film is not for young children, and the 96-minute film’s detailed discussions of slavery might suggest a PG-13 rating.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder continues to screen in independent theaters, at historic sites, museums, film festivals, and churches throughout the U.S.  The film is available on DVD at Amazon.com and FourthWallFilms.com. The docudrama had its broadcast premiere on WQPT-PBS and has aired on other PBS stations throughout the Midwest. 

Sons & Daughters of Thunder was partially funded by a grant from the Quad City Arts, provided by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, Hubbell-Waterman Foundation and John Deere; and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. The Moline Foundation and the Shell Rock Community Historical Society served as the fiscal sponsors for the project. For more information about Sons & Daughters of Thunder, visit www.LaneRebelsMovie.com.

Filmmakers Tammy & Kelly Rundle, Fourth Wall Films.

The Rundles are the producers of the Emmy® Award winning Over and Under: Wildlife Crossings, and Emmy® nominated documentaries Good Earth: Awakening the Silent City, Letters Home to Hero Street (with WQPT-PBS), and Country School: One Room – One Nation. Other award-winning productions include Lost Nation: The Ioway, and The Barn Raisers.

"Thunder" Screens Oct. 27 in Cincinnati for 2-Part Series on Racial Unity and Peace

Harriet Beecher Stowe (Jess Taylor) and Theodore Weld (Thomas Alan Taylor) in Sons & Daughters of Thunder.

A special screening of the award-winning docudrama Sons & Daughters of Thunder, a new film by Mid-America Emmy® nominated filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films, and Executive Producer Kimberly Kurtenbach, will be showcased at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 1950 Nagel Road, Cincinnati, Ohio on Wednesday, October 27th at 7:00 p.m. (ET). The event is free to the public. A virtual Q&A with the filmmakers will follow the film. Attendees must register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sons-and-daughters-of-thunder-tickets-184254900367

Christina Hartlieb, Executive Director of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House will present 'The Power of Voice: Harriet Beecher Stowe's Legacy in Cincinnati' the week prior to the film on October 20 (Wednesday) at 7:00 p.m. at the same location. The 2-part series is sponsored by Anderson Churches for Racial Unity, and Greater Anderson Promotes Peace. 

Discussing the abolition of slavery in 1834 was considered radical, even in the North. Organized by firebrand abolitionist Theodore Weld, the nation’s first public debates at Lane Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio led to near riot conditions in the city. The shocking oratory sparked intense controversy and awakened a young Harriet Beecher (Stowe) to the horrors of slavery. Harriet was captivated by Weld’s charismatic leadership at a time when Calvin Stowe was trying to win her heart. Inspired by Weld and the debates, Harriet later distilled her Cincinnati experiences into the world-wide best-selling novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. This forgotten true story from award-winning filmmakers Kelly Rundle and Tammy Rundle was a prelude to America’s Civil War.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder is based on the play written by Earlene Hawley (background). Bryan Cotton as William Still in the film.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder is based on the play by Earlene Hawley and Curtis Heeter, and tells the unforgettable true story of the beginning of the end of slavery in America. The film was shot by award-winning director of photography Kevin Railsback and features an original score by William Campbell, the composer behind the Academy Award-nominated documentary “Lifeboat”.

The film received the Harriet Beecher Stowe Power of Voice Award at the Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival, and received four Mid-America Emmy® nominations.

Lane Seminary student James Bradley (Jaylen Marks) addresses the debate crowd in Sons & Daughters of Thunder.

“Sons & Daughters of Thunder is a fascinating, inspiring slice of influential U.S. history told with characteristic grace, intelligence and emotional power…” wrote Jonathan Turner, film reviewer from the Dispatch-Argus.

Principal photography for Sons & Daughters of Thunder took place in Ohio, Connecticut and Illinois. Several scenes were filmed in the historic Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati, the last remaining structure on what was Lane Seminary grounds. Cincinnati historian Chris DeSimio was a consultant on the film.

The producers note that the film is not for young children, and the 96-minute film’s detailed discussions of slavery might suggest a PG-13 rating.

Frederick Douglass (Mark Winn) in Sons & Daughters of Thunder.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder continues to screen in independent theaters, at historic sites, museums, film festivals, and churches throughout the U.S. The film has been released on DVD nationally.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder was partially funded by a grant from the Quad City Arts, provided by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, Hubbell-Waterman Foundation and John Deere; and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. The Moline Foundation and the Shell Rock Community Historical Society served as the fiscal sponsors for the project. For more information about Sons & Daughters of Thunder, visit www.LaneRebelsMovie.com.

The Rundles' new "Hero Street" documentary screens at Alternating Currents Fest Aug. 20-22

Fourth Wall Films' Kelly and Tammy Rundle's new documentary A Bridge Too Far From Hero Street, the true story of Pvt. William Sandoval’s involvement in the largest air assault in history, is an Official Selection at the Alternating Currents Festival and will screen FREE at the Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa in the John Deere Auditorium.

 The film is included in a one-hour block of Family-Friendly films and will be presented on Friday, Aug. 20 at 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 21 at 11:00 a.m.; Sunday Aug. 22 at 11:00 a.m.

The Festival has included an additional screening at the Mockingbird on Main, 320 N. Main St. in Davenport on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

The Rundles are the producers of eight Mid-America Emmy-nominated and award-winning films, including the docudrama Sons & Daughters of Thunder.

The Alternating Currents is a festival featuring music, comedy, film, and art with more than 60 national, regional and local acts over the four-day event at locations across Downtown Quad Cities including 25 locations in downtown Davenport. Now in its fourth year, Alternating Currents is organized by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), a division of the Quad Cities Chamber, in collaboration with local talent across our region’s creative community. Read more about the festival at QuadCities.com.

Based on the play by Earlene Hawley and Curtis Heeter, the film tells the unforgettable true story of the first-in-the-nation 1834 emancipation debates led by firebrand abolitionist Theodore Weld (Thomas Alan Taylor) in Cincinnati, Ohio, and their effect on a young Harriet Beecher Stowe’s (Jessica Taylor) views of slavery.

The film was co-produced by Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films and Kent Hawley, and Executive Producer Kimberly Kurtenbach. Award-winning cinematographer Kevin Railsback served as the Director of Photography.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder was partially funded by a grant from the Quad City Arts, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, with support from Friends of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation, and the Bix Biederbecke Inn. The Moline Foundation and the Shell Rock Community Historical Society served as the fiscal sponsors on the film project.  The film is co-produced by Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films and Kent Hawley. Kimberly Kurtenbach is the Executive Producer of the film.

Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films are the producers of multiple award-winning historical documentaries and the Mid-America Emmy® nominated documentaries Good Earth: Awakening the Silent City, Country School: One Room – One Nation, River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 and Letters Home to Hero Street (co-produced with WQPT). 

To order any of Fourth Wall Films documentaries or film projects on DVD or view them via streaming, visit SHOP FOURTH WALL FILMS.

'Thunder's' Emmy-nominated composer performs at Figge during Alternating Currents Fest

Sons & Daughters of Thunder's Emmy-nominated music composer will fill the Figge Art Museum with beautiful music during the Alternating Currents Festival in Davenport, Iowa August 19-21.

William Campbell will perform music from his previous releases and his new album "All In Due time," accompanied by visual art by local Quad Cities' artists. The one-hour musical excursion will take place on Thursday, August 19th at 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday, August 21 at 1:30 p.m. For more information about his music, visit WilliamCampbellMusic.com.

In addition on Saturday at 4 p.m. Bill will introduce the Oscar-nominated documentary short Hunger Ward in the Figge's John Deere Auditorium. Bill scored the film and will take part in Q&A following the documentary presentation.

Admission is free. The Figge Art Museum is located at 225 W. 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa.

 

Based on the play by Earlene Hawley and Curtis Heeter, the film tells the unforgettable true story of the first-in-the-nation 1834 emancipation debates led by firebrand abolitionist Theodore Weld (Thomas Alan Taylor) in Cincinnati, Ohio, and their effect on a young Harriet Beecher Stowe’s (Jessica Taylor) views of slavery.

The film was co-produced by Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films and Kent Hawley, and Executive Producer Kimberly Kurtenbach. Award-winning cinematographer Kevin Railsback served as the Director of Photography.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder was partially funded by a grant from the Quad City Arts, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, with support from Friends of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation, and the Bix Biederbecke Inn. The Moline Foundation and the Shell Rock Community Historical Society served as the fiscal sponsors on the film project.  The film is co-produced by Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films and Kent Hawley. Kimberly Kurtenbach is the Executive Producer of the film.

Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films are the producers of multiple award-winning historical documentaries and the Mid-America Emmy® nominated documentaries Good Earth: Awakening the Silent City, Country School: One Room – One Nation, River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 and Letters Home to Hero Street (co-produced with WQPT). 

To order any of Fourth Wall Films documentaries or film projects on DVD or view them via streaming, visit SHOP FOURTH WALL FILMS.

"Thunder" Opens Over the Rhine Film Fest at Harriet Beecher Stowe House July 8

The award-winning and Mid-America Emmy nominated Sons & Daughters of Thunder will screen at the Over the Rhine Film Festival in Cincinnati at 5PM (ET) on July 8th, opening night of the three-day film showcase.

The festival committee arranged for the film to screen in the historic Harriet Beecher Stowe House, 2950 Gilbert Avenue and filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films will participate in Q&A after the presentation.

Seating is limited. Visit https://thirdrow.live/otrff/ for ticket information. 

Based on the play by Earlene Hawley and Curtis Heeter, the film tells the unforgettable true story of the first-in-the-nation 1834 emancipation debates led by firebrand abolitionist Theodore Weld (Thomas Alan Taylor) in Cincinnati, Ohio, and their effect on a young Harriet Beecher Stowe’s (Jessica Taylor) views of slavery.

The film was co-produced by Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films and Kent Hawley, and Executive Producer Kimberly Kurtenbach. Award-winning cinematographer Kevin Railsback served as the Director of Photography. The original score was created by award-winning composer William Cambell and it received a 2020 Mid-America Emmy nommination.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder was partially funded by a grant from the Quad City Arts, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, with support from Friends of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation, and the Bix Biederbecke Inn. The Moline Foundation and the Shell Rock Community Historical Society served as the fiscal sponsors on the film project.  The film is co-produced by Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films and Kent Hawley. Kimberly Kurtenbach is the Executive Producer of the film.

Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films are the producers of multiple award-winning historical documentaries and the Mid-America Emmy® nominated documentaries Good Earth: Awakening the Silent City, Country School: One Room – One Nation, River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 and Letters Home to Hero Street (co-produced with WQPT). 

To order any of Fourth Wall Films documentaries or film projects on DVD or view them via streaming, visit SHOP FOURTH WALL FILMS.

Emmy-Nominated "Becoming Harriet Beecher Stowe" virtual screening/Q&A Feb. 18 during Black History Month

Harriet Beecher Stowe.

The new Mid-America Emmy® nominated documentary Becoming Harriet Beecher Stowe produced by Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films,will be presented online by the Bettendorf Public Library on Thursday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m. during Black History Month. 

A Q&A with the film producers will follow the 30-minute film via Fourth Wall Films' Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Fourth-Wall-Films-173844695995934.  (See the event instructions at the end of this post.)

Registration is required at http://events.bettendorflibrary.com/event/4780047 

Becoming Harriet Beecher Stowe tells the story of the famous writer’s life in Cincinnati, Ohio and how those life-changing experiences contributed to her best-selling novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Beecher-Stowe lived in Cincinnati between 1832 and 1850, and just after her move to Maine, she adapted her life-changing experiences and anti-slavery sentiment into America’s most influential novel.

The documentary features writers, historians and storytellers including Joan Hedrick, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Life”.

Jessica Taylor as young Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Clips from Fourth Wall Films’ award-winning and Emmy-nominated docudrama Sons & Daughters of Thunder are included in the documentary and feature acclaimed actors, including Jessica Taylor as a young Harriet Beecher. Dee Canfield is the voice of elder Harriet Beecher Stowe in the documentary.  A number of historical sites appear in the film, including the Harriet Beecher Stowe House and Rankin House in Cincinnati, Ohio among others.

A scene from the Emmy-nomianted Sons & Daughters of Thunder. Former slave James Bradley (Jaylen Marks) gives a speech during the Lane Seminary debates in 1834.

Becoming Harriet Beecher Stowe was partially funded by a grant from the Ohio Humanities, a State affiliate of The National Endowment for the Humanities.

Producers Kelly and Tammy Rundle are the owners of Fourth Wall Films, an award-winning and Regional Emmy-nominated independent film production company formerly located in Los Angeles, and now based in Moline, Illinois.

The Rundles have received eight Mid-America Emmy® nominations for their documentaries Good Earth: Awakening the Silent City, River to River: Iowa’s Forgotten Highway 6, Country School: One Room - One Nation, River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6, and Letters Home to Hero and their docudrama Sons & Daughters of Thunder. Visit FourthWallFilms.com for more information.

EVENT SCREENING INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Register to attend the event at http://events.bettendorflibrary.com/event/4780047 

2.  On Thursday, Feb. 18th at 2 p.m., go to the Fourth Wall Films Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Fourth-Wall-Films-173844695995934

3.  At 2 p.m. CLICK ON the "Facebook LIVE Premiere" to view the 30-minute film.

4.  When the film is finished (all the way to the end of the credits), return to the Fourth Wall Films Facebook page.

5.  CLICK ON on the "Facebook LIVE Video" to tune into the Q&A with the film producers. You will be able to type in your questions in the comments.

Note:  If the presentation freezes up for any reason (it is rare, but sometimes such things can happen), simply REFRESH the Fourth Wall Films' Facebook page. 

"Thunder" and "Becoming Harriet Beecher Stowe" earn Four Regional Emmy Nominations

Fourth Wall Films' documentary Becoming Harriet Beecher Stowe and docudrama Sons & Daughters of Thunder have received four Mid-America Emmy® nominations. The films had their broadcast premiere on WQPT- PBS.

Becoming Harriet Beecher Stowe received a nomination in the Documentary-Cultural category.The film tells the story of the iconic writer’s time in Cincinnati, Ohio and how several life-altertering experiences contributed material for her best-selling novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Beecher-Stowe lived in Cincinnati between 1832 and 1850, and after her move to Maine, she adapted her Ohio experiences and new anti-slavery sentiment into America’s most influential novel.

The documentary features historians, writers and storytellers: Dr. Christine Anderson, Chris DeSimio, Dr. John Douglass, Dr. John Getz, Dr. Joan Hedrick, Philip McFarland, Dr. Michelle Watts, and Betty Campbell. Dee Canfield of Moline, Illinois read excerpts from Beecher Stowe’s letters in the film. Filming took place at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati, Ohio, John Rankin House in Ripley, Ohio, and on a canal boat courtesy the Johnston Farm and Indian Agency.

The Fourth Wall Films docudrama Sons & Daughters of Thunder received three nominations including Best Arts/Entertainment: Program/Special, Best Original Music Score by William Campbell, and a nomination for Writing (Screenplay). The screenplay was adapted by the Rundles from the play “Sons & Daughters of Thunder” written by Earlene Hawley and Curtis Heeter. Kent Hawley co-produced the film with the Rundles.

"We hope to be able to honor playwright Earlene Hawley with a win," said producer/director Kelly Rundle. "She is the heart of Sons & Daughters of Thunder."

Sons & Daughters of Thunder tells the unforgettable true story of the first-in-the-nation 1834 anti-slavery debates in Cincinnati, Ohio, led by firebrand abolitionist Theodore Weld as portrayed by Thomas Alan Taylor. The debates had a profound impact on a young Harriet Beecher Stowe’s views on slavery. Stowe is played by actress Jessica Taylor.

Kimberly Kurtenbach served as the Executive Producer and casting director on the project and played Harriet’s sister Catharine Beecher in the film. Janos Horvath starred as Lyman Beecher.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder starred many acclaimed actors from the Midwest and Los Angeles (MEET THE CAST HERE), and a small but mighty crew, including award-winning DP Kevin Railsback, award-winning Sound/Effects Chris Ryder, Emily Busha (Wardrobe), Dave Furness (Gaffer), Farrah Ketron (Hair/Make-up), Lora Adams and Wendy Czekalski (Wardrobe/Make-up/Hair Assistants), Olivia Ketron and Melinda Carriker (Production Assistants), Sandy Freel (Props), among others (MEET THE CREW HERE).

Filming took place at the Dillon Home Museum in Sterling, Illinois, the Jenny Lind Chapel in Andover, Illinois, the Karpeles Manuscript Museum and Augustana's House on the Hill in Rock Island, Illinois, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford, Connecticut.

"We congratulate our fantastic Thunder cast and outstanding team of artists behind the camera, Bill Campbell our amazing composer, our generous contributors and supporters, the Quad City Arts, the Illinois Arts Council, the Moline Foundation, and a special thank you to playwright Earlene Hawley and Curtis Heeter," said producer Tammy Rundle. "We wish Kent Hawley were here with us to see all that is happening with Thunder, as he was so much a part of the whole process."

Sons & Daughters of Thunder was partially funded by a grant from the Quad City Arts (Illinois Arts Council Agency, Hubbell-Waterman Foundation and Deere and Company); and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. The Moline Foundation and the Shell Rock Community Historical Society served as the fiscal sponsors for the project. Thunder is available on DVD at LaneRebelsMovie.com or Amazon.com, and it can be streamed via Vimeo On Demand.

Becoming Harriet Beecher Stowe was partially funded by a grant from the Ohio Humanities, a State affiliate of The National Endowment for the Humanities.

Kelly and Tammy Rundle received Mid-America Emmy® nominations for their documentaries Good Earth: Awakening the Silent City, River to River: Iowa’s Forgotten Highway 6, Country School: One Room - One Nation, River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6, and Letters Home to Hero Street (co-produced with Lora Adams and WQPT).

Order Sons & Daughters of Thunder at https://www.fourthwallfilms.com/dvds.htm

"Thunder" Award-winning Composer William Campbell presents Livestream Concert Sept. 25

Son's & Daughters of Thunder award-winning composer William Campbell will livestream a special concert from his home on his semi-concert grand piano Friday, September 25th, 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The “Coming Home” concert will showcase music from his 2011 album, including his arrangement of the SAU alma mater Ambrosian Oaks (“Finlandia”), and newer pieces from his forthcoming album.

You're invited to pour a glass of wine and 'escape' into the music of this amazing composer and musician. Bill received an Award of Excellence from the Iowa Motion Picture Association for Son's & Daughters of Thunder's Best Original Score in August.

To attend, click on this livestream link on Friday evening: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamCampbellMusic/posts/1771827912965631.

Click HERE for more details.

Based on the play by Earlene Hawley and Curtis Heeter, the film tells the unforgettable true story of the first-in-the-nation 1834 emancipation debates led by firebrand abolitionist Theodore Weld (Thomas Alan Taylor) in Cincinnati, Ohio, and their effect on a young Harriet Beecher Stowe’s (Jessica Taylor) views of slavery.

The film was co-produced by Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films and Kent Hawley, and Executive Producer Kimberly Kurtenbach. Award-winning cinematographer Kevin Railsback served as the Director of Photography.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder was partially funded by a grant from the Quad City Arts, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, with support from Friends of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation, and the Bix Biederbecke Inn. The Moline Foundation and the Shell Rock Community Historical Society served as the fiscal sponsors on the film project.  The film is co-produced by Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films and Kent Hawley. Kimberly Kurtenbach is the Executive Producer of the film.

Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films are the producers of multiple award-winning historical documentaries and the Mid-America Emmy® nominated documentaries Good Earth: Awakening the Silent City, Country School: One Room – One Nation, River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 and Letters Home to Hero Street (co-produced with WQPT). 

To order any of Fourth Wall Films documentaries or film projects on DVD or view them via streaming, visit SHOP FOURTH WALL FILMS.

 

Iowa Independent Film Festival goes virtual September 7-13

The Iowa Independent Film Festival celebrates its 12th year with a virtual festival this 2020. Sons & Daughters of Thunder is among 40 films selected by the festival jury and will screen online September 7-13th.

An ALL-ACCESS PASS is just $10 and you can view the films (documentaries, shorts, features, local, students, animation) any time during the 7-day window.

Visit https://www.iifilmfestival.org/tickets to get started. 

The Iowa Independent Film Festival was founded in 2007 by screenwriter Richard Schinnow and actress Tanna Frederick. The festival usually screens its official selections at the historic Lake Theatre in Clear Lake, the Mason City Community Theatre in Mason City and Mason City Public Library. This year, due to COVID-19, the festival will celebrate independent films online.

"Our goal as a premiere independent film festival in Iowa is to offer our region opportunities to experience the best in independent filmmaking. With movies spanning the genres of short films, documentaries and features, we look to provide quality entertainment for a wide range of tastes," the IIFF states. 

Sons & Daughters of Thunder recently won seven awards at the 29th Iowa Motion Picture Association's annual award ceremony including the Top Awards for Best Feature Film, Direction, Actor, Supporting Actress, Original Score and two Awards of Achievement for Best Actress and Editing.

Thomas Alan Taylor as Theodore Weld.

Based on the play by Earlene Hawley and Curtis Heeter, the film tells the unforgettable true story of the first-in-the-nation 1834 emancipation debates led by firebrand abolitionist Theodore Weld (Thomas Alan Taylor) in Cincinnati, Ohio, and their effect on a young Harriet Beecher Stowe’s (Jessica Taylor) views of slavery.

The film was co-produced by Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films and Kent Hawley, and Executive Producer Kimberly Kurtenbach. Award-winning cinematographer Kevin Railsback served as the Director of Photography.

Jessica Taylor as Harriet Beecher.

Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films are the producers of multiple award-winning historical documentaries and the Mid-America Emmy® nominated documentaries Good Earth: Awakening the Silent City, Country School: One Room – One Nation, River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 and Letters Home to Hero Street (co-produced with WQPT). 

Mark Winn as abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder was partially funded by a grant from the Quad City Arts (Illinois Arts Council Agency, Hubbell-Waterman Foundation and Deere and Company); and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. The Moline Foundation and the Shell Rock Community Historical Society served as the fiscal sponsors for the project. 

To order any of Fourth Wall Films documentaries or film projects on DVD or view them via streaming, visit SHOP FOURTH WALL FILMS.