It has been a busy and amazing six months for Sons & Daughters of Thunder as fundraising was kicked into high gear and post-production work began. Thanks to the generous support of several individuals, organizations, Indiegogo contributors, and a grant award, we are nearing completion and Sons & Daughters of Thunder will be released for the 185th Anniversary of the Lane Debates in February-March 2019.
It is not easy to make a film. Especially an historic period piece set in the 1830s. The most difficult part of any independent film project is fundraising. It takes long stretches of time, massive effort, and lots and lots of faith. So, we are deeply grateful to every person, every organization, and every cast and crew member that helped us make Sons & Daughters of Thunder a reality and kept the faith right along with us.
Most of all, we thank Earlene Hawley for researching and writing her beautiful play and sharing it with us to transform into a screenplay and narrative film. We are deeply grateful to Kent and Earlene, and the Hawley family for their incredible support on this project over the years.
There were many times that Harriet Beecher Stowe's inspiring words kept us going: "Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." The tide turned.
The amazing and timely story of Theodore Weld and his Lane Rebels, and the devisive debates over the abolition of slavery held in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1834 has largely been forgotten by the nation. But thanks to the long list of supporters behind this film project, the story will be preserved and remembered.
We are very excited to share that there will be two main premiere events for Sons & Daughters of Thunder in 2019: one in Cincinnati, Ohio and one in Davenport, Iowa. Other special screening events throughout the U.S. will follow.
We are in discussions regarding the special March premiere in Cincinnati (where the true story took place) and we will have news to share in time. Mark your calendars and save the date for Saturday, March 16, 2019 for the Quad Cities premiere of Thunder at the Putnam Museum National Geographic Giant Screen at 6:30 p.m. It will be a wonderful celebration with a number of cast and crew appearing at the event. The film will be dedicated to Kent Hawley (whom we lost in November 2017) and his wife playwright Earlene Hawley.
Former slave and abolotionist Frederick Douglass once said, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." We have struggled. We were determined. We made progress. And, thanks to those of you who believed in us and cheered us on every step of the way, we reached the finish line.
We hope to see you at one of the premieres or at a special screening of Sons & Daughters of Thunder next February and March. Please DO spread the word!
With gratitude,
Kelly & Tammy Rundle
Fourth Wall Films
Producers: Sons & Daughters of Thunder