GEORGE "SMOKEMAN" PEROTTA AND ACTRESS DAUGHTER BRITT MEDLIN

Britt Medlin

From the hundreds of people who worked on ALL FOR LIBERTY, there are a number of families involved…One is AFL Crew member, George Perrotta and his teen daughter, actress, Britt Medlin. Wife and mother Diana Medlin, has been a great supporter from the sidelines.

George began shooting with us because his daughter was in Chris Weatherhead’s professional acting class and was going to be in a scene in All For Liberty. [She plays the loyalist girl, “Sarah Miller” with the character of Governor Rutledge when he is on the run from the British] Soon, George saw how many aspects of the shooting needed help and since he is a multi-talented gentleman, he began to wear many hats, but became most known and loved as “Smokeman”. As indie filmmakers know, getting very natural smoke effects in a period war movie is nothing short of a miracle.
GEORGE [SMOKEMAN] PERROTTA…On being a crew member of ALL FOR LIBERTY:

“Being able to travel around the South Carolina area working at various historical locations on the film " All For Liberty " was a dream come true. It didn't matter if was it hot, cold, wet or dry it was all fun! Best of all, was becoming part of an extended family that included the cast and crew.

These days in LA, any time I'm with Britt and she's on set shooting, I only get to see her when she is on a break. The parent (guardian) is pretty far removed from all the action. Quite different from when I was with you on the crew and my daughter was one of the actors in the scene. On “All For Liberty” I tried to do my jobs behind the camera with the dolly and also creating smoke and not show how proud a dad I was, as I watched my daughter do what she loves. Being there for her close-up was gold!”

GEORGE ON LIVING IN LOS ANGELES…

I've been with BFA, a global communication technology consultant firm here in LA going on three years. The flexibility I have makes taking Britt to auditions ideal. She recently finished another feature film…

BRITT MEDLIN -  “Sarah Miller” in ALL FOR LIBERTY

WHAT DID YOU LEARN ON “ALL FOR LIBERTY”?

“Sarah Miller is a girl in the American revolution who is a Loyalist in the backcountry. I learned alot about being natural in my craft. Chris (the Director) taught me about being a layered actress, not just having one single emotion but to have as many layers as possible. Like peeling back an onion. It was really cool that we got to film somewhere so old and historic. I remember it being really cold, to the point where our fingers were numb. But it was definitely all worth it.”

LA is so completely different from Charleston, but I really do love it. It's a big city, full of tons of great - and some crazy - people.
ON SHOOTING HER CURRENT FEATURE

“SOUTH DAKOTA” by Bruce Isaacson, Produced by Lionheart Movies…

I play Kathy, the best friend of the lead girl who becomes pregnant in high school. My character is a cheerleader in a small town and it was so much fun. I truly realized how badly I wanted to be in the business while filming the movie. I wouldn't have traded that experience for the world.

My goal now in LA is really trying to set standards high for myself. I just signed with a new agency, which is ranked one of the top 10 agencies in LA. I cannot wait for this pilot season, auditioning is a great way to practice my craft and to become more experienced. LA is full of girls who are trying to achieve the same goal and dream that I have. It is all about determination and the luck of the draw.

Britt Medlin as co-star “Kathy” between takes  with star, Piper Ferrone, who plays “Barb”

AFL Picks Up Film Award #8 at Myrtle Beach

The Myrtle Beach International Film Festival has announced its 2009 winners, with ALL FOR LIBERTY tapped for Best Film in the Faith Based Category. The four day fest screened an array of US and international productions. Director/Co-star/Co-writer Chris Weatherhead (photo upper right), Executive Producer/Star Clarence Felder (lower right) and Co-star Michael Easler (upper left) were in attendance for the screening and award ceremony.  That's Festival Director Jerry Dalton at lower left.  The Myrtle Beach International Film Festival was named one of the 25 film festivals worth submission fees by Movie Maker Magazine and is rapidly becoming one of the most important film festivals for independent filmmakers in the U.S.

"ALL FOR LIBERTY" was selected as one of fourteen features in the festival and screened on the last day of the festival. Also in attendance were the Felder's daughter, Helen Felder Huggins and grandaughter, Caroline. "It was fabulous to see the movie again on a big screen in the beautiful Carmike theater," said Chris Weatherhead. "Jeffrey Stern's spectacular sound design and Tony De Ritis' haunting orchestral score were well-served by the great sound system they have.  I got pulled into the story all over again even after working on the project for years, it still gets me."

Clarence Felder agreed. "It reminded us again why we sacrificed so much to get this done, he said. “But of course it can't touch the sacrifices that were made by Captain Felder and the other patriots who founded our country."

Michael Easler, who portrays Governor Rutledge said, "Every time I see it I find wonderful new nuances in the story, acting and art direction to enjoy. It was a great opportunity to see it again in a big theater."

The creative team, cast and crew are to be congratulated once again! This is a great Christmas present to our company and inspires us to continue spreading the word on the project by selling on our website and working towards a good distribution deal.

The Myrtle Beach win brings our award total to eight, joining prizes from the Accolade Competition, WorldFest Houston and the Charleston International Film Festival. ALL FOR LIBERTY received its world premiere in China as an official selection at the New Beijing Film Festival's International Movie Week.

AFL Selected for Myrtle Beach Fest

ALL FOR LIBERTY has been named an Official Selection at the 2009 Myrtle Beach International Film Festival. Screening date/time is December 5th, Saturday at noon.

For more information, go to the MBIFF website: http://myrtlebeachfilmfestival.com

AFL featured in history magazine

ALL FOR LIBERTY was recently the subject of a terrific feature article in PATRIOTS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION magazine, November issue.

Here is the article link:

http://www.patriotsar.com/current

More Screenings in South Carolina Coming Up!

VERY SPECIAL EVENTS!!

TUESDAY, NOV. 10TH - 7:00 PM
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Fundraiser for the ORANGEBURG FINE ARTS CENTER & the Actors Theate of South Carolina
For tickets and information, call 803. 536-4074

and also...
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH - 7:00 pm

A thrilling VETERAN'S DAY EVENT!

Fundraiser for HISTORIC CAMDEN REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITE & Actors Theatre of South Carolina

$15 single - $25 couple - includes refreshments - call: 803.432.9841

MEET ACTORS & CREW AFTER SCREENING - GET TIX TODAY!!
>

AFL CAST/CREW BUSY WITH NEW PROJECTS

Congratulations to All For Liberty actors, Clarence Felder, Michael Easler, Trevor Erickson, Richard Bryant, Miles Pittman, Tyler Ilgen, Nick Smith and many others! There is a flurry of movies being shot in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, staring, co-starring and featuring actors and crew from AFL...

Our star, Clarence Felder is portraying a vicious comedy super tycoon in "Republic of Pete" a hilarious indie comedy shooting all over Charleston and Folly Beach, South Carolina directed by Jesse Berger. Playing Clarence's henchman lawyer is none other than our own Governor Rutledge, the very versatile Michael Easler. They try to teach some college boys a lesson...two of which are our AFL featured actors, Miles Pittman and Richard Bryant (Richard who played Gus in AFL is also currently on "Army Wives" for Lifetime). Clarence is also cast in the new project of Director/Producer Michael Givens, "Angel Camouflaged", starring rock singer Dilana Robichaux as a disillusioned singer, also shooting in SC.

Meanwhile, Trevor Erickson (see photo above), Nick Smith and a host of other AFL actors have been working on an indie action-thriller, Cold Soldiers (ala Bourne Identity) as highly trained soldiers who are rehabilitated tyo return t active duty. AFLers Micahel Easler, Sandra VanNatta, Bettina Beard and nat Jones play supporting roles in the feature from Claesdestine Films which is slated to enter the film festival circuit very soon.

Next, actors Trevor Erickson, Tyler Ilgen and Nick Smith portray ill-fated crew embers of the famous Confederate submarine, the Hunley, in a National Geographic TV special about the vessel and forensics informationnow gathered from its recent discovery.

And - Richard Almes of Almes Productions, our fabulous second cinematographer, has been very busy shooting for top corporations throughout our state including Boeingand Blackbaud, as well as some special promotional projects for the SC State Commerce Department.

Look for more news on AFL actors and creative team as we get it!

Chris Weatherhead - October 25th, 2009

Audiences Respond to Columbia SC Screenings

Some of the cast dropped by the screenings at the State Museum theatre on September 26 which were presented by the Sandlapper Society. That's Richard Smith (General Sumter) on the left, followed by Bill Dewitt (Tory Lieutenant Eli), filmmaker Chris Weatherhead, Barry Grant (Tory Lieutenant Everett), Mark Hall and Bill Funderburk (Tories) and Rob Gorman (John Felder)

This was the first time ALL FOR LIBERTY screened anywhere in the midlands or backcountry of South Carolina and there was great excitement to see the movie on the big screen.

Responses from survey sheets were very strong. EVERYONE surveyed said they'd highly recommend the movie, joining over 350 other patrons surveyed - the movie seems to be receiving the same response whether it is from the 19 states where we're shipping dvds, or from folks from other countries. Bravo and congratulations to all cast, crew, creative team! And thanks again to our many donors!!

To the question "What did you like best?" here are a few of the answers...

"The story! - the acting - the history - the writing - the authenticity of everything!"
"The subject - Excellent depiction of lost history!"

"Great story, scenery and music-- We must never forget why we are a free country and remain that way!"
"Everything was fantastic! -- Must be grateful to those who made freedom possible

"Great story so well told -- the movie had a great flow!"

And to the question "Any other comments?", here are some responses...

"Keep showing this!!"

"Thank you! - Much needed movie"
"Show this film everywhere!"

"Uplifting message"
"Please keep this going"

"Should be seen by all Americans!"

Audiences Respond at Screenings in Columbia

AFL co-star Michael Easler (Governor Rutledge) sent this report about the screenings this past weekend in Columbia, the state capital of South Carolina. Michael was on hand to meet-and-greet the audience members...

"Wanted to let you know that “All For Liberty” was really well received recently during the two showings at The South Carolina Museum. I sat thru the first showing and people regularly gasped, chuckled, and cheered. Everyone applauded un-prompted at the end.

After the 2nd. showing, one woman came up to me (teary-eyed) and said she was very moved. Many others wanted to know more about Henry Felder – and were amazed he isn’t mentioned in general SC history! Very cool evening."

AFL screens in Columbia SC this Saturday

ALL FOR LIBERTY will screen at the State Museum of South Carolina in Columbia this Saturday, September 26, at 5:30 and 7:30 pm. Cast members will be present for audience discussion after each screening. The Sandlapper Society is sponsoring the event. Please call 803.779.8763 for more information.

FROM GIRL SCOUTS TO COSTUME DESIGNER

Kathy Graziano Pilson was born in a small town in New York state and started sewing in junior high. She joined the Merchant Marines and traveled for three years before settling in Charleston, SC where she met her husband. She began having children and started sewing again, for her own business, My Seamstress, sewing everything from diapers and clothes to curtains for well known hotels. A few years later she became a Girl Scout Leader as her youngest needed things for her troop.
Kathy recalls how she became a movie costume designer. “I will always remember the day I met a very special lady, Chris Weatherhead. I was in the fabric store looking at material. I noticed a woman walking around looking at a pattern and scanning the store looking rather lost. I had been around the store and had just done the same thing so I approached her with a smile and said, ‘May I help?’ She glanced at me in her friendly manner and said, “Why yes, I am looking for material for this,” as she pointed to a costume pattern. It looked like a Daniel Boone shirt. “Are you making a Daniel Boone Shirt?” I asked. “Why no," she said. "But I'm shooting a movie and I was hoping I could find someone who would make this. It’s a Backcountry American Revolutionary War shirt pattern sent from across the state by a historian, and I can’t sew. I don't know what to do,” said Chris. “My insides giggled. I love making costumes. That was one of my dreams. I wanted to ask her all kinds of questions, but I didn’t want to scare her off with my excitement. I thought maybe she could hear my heart pounding with glee. I found out later Chris was also scared to ask me for what she really needed.
I settled down a bit, got composed and said, “It looks like an easy pattern and I do a good bit of sewing. I could make that.” No sooner had I said it we were choosing what kind of material would “fool” the camera, then who, what, where and how soon. Talk about a whirlwind! I had been making period costumes for a lady who sold them on the internet, and this looked like something I could handle. Little did I know then that Chris needed many, many costumes! After I had made the first shirt she cautiously asked if I could make a ‘frock coat’. I had never heard of one! But felt brave enough to say, “If you have a pattern I’m sure I could make one and if you let me see one looks like I can make it even better.” SEVEN frock coats and SIX waistcoat’s later, I officially became the costume designer and seamstress for most of the backcountry patriots and tories in ALL FOR LIBERTY. Recently attending the premiere in Charleston I was thrilled because I got to see what all my hard work looked like on the actors and on big screen. I was in awe and tickled inside to think that all the time I spent sewing, measuring and putting on buttons helped create these great characters in this great movie! Chris and I are friends now and stay connected. Whether I work on a play or movie costume or playing a ‘background' lady in the Felder family picnic scene in the movie I've had great fun. I will always remember that first day in the fabric shop as well as all the excitement in between.”
Chris Weatherhead shares her Gold Remi Award for Art Direction from WorldFest Houston Film Fest with Kathy along with a number of other staff folks. Ms. Pilson is now ready to create more costumes for other projects. Anyone interested please reach her at 843.696.3911. Many authentic American Revolutionary War patterns were bought from 96 District Storehouse (864) 366-9600 http://www.96storehouse.com/. Other clothes were provided by Boars Head Traders, living history sutlers.

AFL GETS A RAVE IN IRAQ

In the photo, standing in extraordinary heat of the desert, Captain Matthew Stern and Lt. Col. F. Lee Reynolds hold a DVD copy of ALL FOR LIBERTY sent to Iraq.

Lee Reynolds was a writer, director and actor with Actors' Theater of SC years ago and has been in the movie business in LA for many years. He was in WE WERE SOLDIERS and AN AMERICAN CAROL and stage managed stunt shows for UNIVERSAL STUDIOS as well as helping soldiers get work in the industry.

Lee was deployed to Iraq recently. His unit is the 222nd Broadcast Operations Detachment from Los Angeles, CA but in Iraq they make up the American Forces Network-Iraq, AFN-Iraq for short in Baghdad. Please hold good thoughts and prayers for these guys.

Below is Lee's response to the movie after seeing it. It's great to see another rave!

Hey Chris and Clarence,

WOW, Bravo, Awesome...HOOAH!! I just watched the movie and I'm soooo impressed. Congratulations, it looks and sounds fantastic!! You did a great job on this. I was so into it from the beginning to the end. On every level I can think of, it was a tight, enticing and entertaining film - Good plot and characters, great visuals and sound, excellent acting and all the historical pieces were so real and accurate. I truly understand why you are winning awards. I hope you can get it into the next GI Film Festival, it really deserves to be there.

Congratulations again!!

F. Lee Reynolds

AFL WINS FOUNDATION GRANT

ALL FOR LIBERTY has received a grant from the First Citizens Bank of South Carolina Foundation to give copies to selected museums, libraries, colleges and high schools throughout the state. “The First Citizens Foundation is proud to support Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina and its efforts to promote the award-winning ALL FOR LIBERTY in state institutions of higher learning, libraries and museums,” said Peter Bristow, President of First Citizens Foundation, Inc., and President and Chief Operating Officer of First Citizens Bank. "We are hopeful that this grant... demonstrates our tradition of fostering education, theater, arts and cultural organizations in the communities where we live and work, and supports a film that will be meaningful to those who experience it.”

Director Chris Weatherhead adds, “We're so grateful that First Citizens Foundation has seen the value of this film for people in our state. It's a wonderful way for South Carolinians and history buffs to get a better idea of the tremendous contribution the colonists of South Carolina made for us to be free. We're very excited to have the grant to give free copies for as long as they last. We plan to make our selections by the end of September.”

The film, winner of seven ingternational film awards was produced by Actors’ Theater of South Carolina’s Moving Images Group division and Coral Gate Media, LLC with support from the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the S C Arts Commission and the University of Miami School of Communication.

Further information on the film is available at http://www.allforliberty.com/ For information on requirements for a free DVD of the movie, email Chris Weatherhead at ccfelder@aol.com

More Donors Step Up to Back ALL FOR LIBERTY

Our Donor campaign rolls on as more and more folks have signed on to help ALL FOR LIBERTY reach our widening audience. Please consider signing on to get the word out. Go to www.allforliberty.com for more information.

Here is the latest Honor Roll:

NEW DONORS - FROM JUNE 16 TO JULY 20

JOHN H. & DIANE E. FELDER, Columbia, SC
JOE & NAN CODY, SC
WALTER E. BONNETT, JR. SC
JIM GRIGGERS, SC
DAVID MICHAEL, SC
MR. & MRS. DAVID HAZELBERG, SC
MR. & MRS. RALPH GOVE, CALIF.
DAWN G. EURINGER, FLA.
JERRY & DEBORAH LUCAS, SC
GLORY FELDER BOHNE, TEXAS
DANA NICHOLS, TEXAS
JIMMY & KATHLEEN HEATH
MR. & MRS. FRED OGBURN III, SC
JULIE VAUGHN, LA
BRADFORD H. FELDER, LA
EVELYN TERREL, LA
MARIANNE MUELLERLEILE, CALIF.
COL. JOSEPH T. NORRIS, JR.
PAT LAHTINEN, TEXAS
MEGAN FISKE, VERMONT
DR. JANE LAROCHE, SC
MICHAEL & MERCEDES DELANEY, CALIF.
MRS. MILES NEILL, CALIF.
MARK & TAMMY KIGER, SC
BERT & KATHLEEN BERTRAM, CONN.
BILL & MARY FELDER, MISS.MYRA & DAVID JONES, SC
DAVID EASON, FLA.
DR. JULIAN DANTZLER KELLY, JR.
WILLIAM W. & MARIE B. MILLER, SC
JAMI HARRIS, OK
BILLY & BETH HUGHES, SC
NEIL SMOAK, TEXAS
VERNA BRYANT, MISS.
SARAH LINDER, MISS.
PAUL & LORETTA L. EDWARDS, LA

Our heartfelt thanks to all!

Paying Our Respects

On July 1st Chris & Clarence Felder set out for the first time to meet another Felder cousin and put a wreath of honor and gratitude on Captain Felder’s Cannons, both of which are placed as a memorial in the town square of Orangeburg, South Carolina where the Captain lived and worked for roughly 45 years, from 1735 to 1780. During the time Felder was living there he helped the area grow from a very wild frontier by the Edisto River to the town and district he defended in the American War for Independence…

“My wife, Chris and a cousin, Fredrick Felder who owns the Orangeburg Pecan Company near the town square, went to the place where Felder’s cannon are so well displayed with a very readable historical overview of Felder’s exploits in the war. Fredrick Felder is also a direct descendant of Captain Felder. We were very moved when we placed the wreath on the cannon to mark this brave Switzer’s willingness to sacrifice everything for the freedom of all Americans, then and now. Mr. Mike Rast of the Orangeburg Department of Parks and Recreation came by and mentioned he tells a lot of people about the cannon and the bravery of the Captain. Chris had wanted to do this act of honoring Felder for the last few years, but we were always very busy trying to finish the movie. We were both very glad to finally have this time of acknowledging our hero in a more personal way.

We hope anyone reading this will find out who they may be related to who has fought for our freedom and honor them in any way they are able. It is good to mark this sacred holiday with all the joy and gratitude to our American warriors and for the blessings of a generous God.”
Clarence Felder, Folly Beach, July 3rd, 2009

Independence Day Marks Release of our DVD

It's time for the 4th of July - barbeques, picnics, fireworks. It's a day of celebration with family and friends. Relax! Have fun! But don't forget the point of all of this.

Two hundred and thirty three years ago, a group of men signed a Declaration that meant their certain deaths and the ruin of their families had their cause failed. One third of the population of this country decided to stand up against the most powerful empire the world had ever known. They hung on for seven long years until victory was achieved. History books are filled with accounts of the famous people who led this remarkable achievement. But little is said of the uncounted everyday Americans who risked as much and suffered as much to gain our independence.

One of these unknowns was Captain Henry Felder, the subject of our film ALL FOR LIBERTY, who wrote Articles of Separation from the English King several months before Thomas Jefferson drafted the famous Declaration of Independence. Felder wrote on behalf of his community in the Orangeburg district of South Carolina. He wrote what he meant then he backed it up with action, fighting a protracted backwoods resistance to British occupation. In the process his farm was burned out, he lost a son and then his own life.

This 4th of July, take a moment to think about patriots like Henry Felder, "people you never heard of, names you'll never know". Give them your prayers and thanks. And think about what WE are going to do to help our country in the time allotted to us.

As our nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, we are pleased to announce that ALL FOR LIBERTY is now available on DVD. Please go to www.allforliberty.com home page and click on "Store" (at top right). Your purchases directly help recover the cost of making this remarkable film project and help us get ready for more projects about American history and culture.

Heartfelt Thanks To Our Donors

As you may know by now, ALL FOR LIBERTY is a very different kind of movie from what the Hollywood industry usually cranks out. We aren't working within the celebrity-media spin-razzle dazzle universe. We made this movie from conviction, from passion, from a sense of commitment to people who want something more than cheap thrills and false values.

Working our way has huge costs. Our poster uses the phrase "They Paid The Price". We as filmmakers didn't come close to the sacrifices that the patriots in our story paid, but we still paid a big price. Years have gone by, endless hours of effort, and a lot of money from people that don't have that much to spare. Hundreds of people worked very hard on this project and like the characters portrayed in the story, they pitched in because they believed in the cause and because they knew that there was no other way to get it done.

Now it's time to honor the people who have stepped up to support this honorable effort - the Donors. The Donors who have contributed to our fund not only are helping to pay back the professional cast and crew that made this movie, they are staking a claim to the future: Donor support means we will live to fight on and make MORE films that tell stories of the courage and patriotism of the American people.

We made this film with very limited resources and even less ability to market and advertise. Yet word of mouth and critical response keeps building (more on that in later posts). Like Captain Felder and his back country militia, people just keep on coming in, signing up and helping grow this thing with zero help from the Hollywood industry.

These Donors listed below understand what we are trying to do; they are stepping up with support just when times are very tough in this country and the traditional values we cherish are in great peril. We simply can't express our admiration and gratitude for this support. And for those of you who are reading this, please consider joining their ranks and make a contribution. Visit www.allforliberty.com: the home page will give you information about the Donor Program.

Thank you and spread the word!

ALL FOR LIBERTY Donors As of June 15th, 2009 –

Lorcan Lucey [SC]
Mr. & Mrs. Macon Sheppard [SC]
Mr. & Mrs. Andy Morelli [SC]
Dr. Jane La Roche [SC]
Cathy Beard [SC]
Richard & Lauri Huss [SC]
PJ & Leah Cronce [SC]
Gladys & Dale Walker [Miss.]
Patricia & Simon Graham [SC]
Billy & Lani Harris [SC]
Charles & Ruth Felder [Texas]
Terry Ward Tucker & Tony Summey [SC]
Donald D. & Rita Gehring [GA]
Bradford H. Felder, LLC [LA]
Randall & Kelly Knapp [NC]
Hemrick N. Salley, Jr. [SC]
Brian & Deidre Weber [CA]
Steve & Linda Griggs [LA]
John W. & Helen K. Felder [SC]
Chad A. & Susan S. Jennings [TX]
Mr. & Mrs. D. Stepp [OK]
Roy & Dann Thomas [SC]
Michael & Eileen Easler [SC]
Mr. & Mrs. John G. Felder
Felder & Associates [SC]
Diana Medlin & George Perrotta & Britt Medlin [CA]
Patricia Causey Nichols & Frank Nichols [CA]
Judson & Betty Hair, Jr. [NC]
Penny & Peter Fagan [CA]
Mr. & Mrs. William B. Dewitt [SC]
Angel Prince [SC]
Celeste & Shannon Laribo [SC]
Sandra Nikolajevs & Timothy O’Malley [SC]
Boris Bohun-Chudyniv & Valerie Morris [SC]
Catherine Abrahms [SC]
Mr. & Mrs. Cole Murray [SC]
Grace Healy [SC]
Margot Raven [SC]
Larry Carter [SC]
Houston Reporting & Video Conferencing [TX]
Mary Cates [NC]
Kathy Pilson [SC]
Mr. & Mrs. George Linder III [SC]

More postings in July!

AUDIENCES TURN OUT FOR TERRACE RUN

On opening day, May 22 at THE TERRACE THEATRE in Charleston, we had fans ranging in ages from 13 to 84 ! As Director Chris Weatherhead was arriving to see the first screening at 1 pm, a man walked up and said, "I just got the day off - can you recommend any of these movies playing here?" She said, "Well - I'm sure there's many good ones, but, I'd recommend ALL FOR LIBERTY." He said, "Oh, why?" She said, "Because my company made this movie and it's opening here today - first time in America!" He saw the movie and loved it!

Some comments opening day were --

"Wow! The action scenes were wonderful - thanks for bringing a small bit of SC history to the screen! Fabulous!!"

"Great acting – great scenery!"

"Beautifully done and told so well"

"SC was beautiful – the fighting was very authentic"

"Authentic wonderful slice of life – hard to pull off – done very well"

"Enjoyed it! Would not have known but got an email from a friend –Glad we came – must get the word out"

"Shows our heritage we sometimes take for granted"

"Enjoyed it all – thanks for bringing it here"

"This is a wonderful contribution and gives us much to think about"

"Wonderful – You put me at SC 1776 – the people were authentic – I loved the SC scenery and the wood houses – Direction and editing were cogent and tight and the story came through well."

"Great picture – very good for our democracy"

Mike Furlinger, owner of the The Terrace says, "This is the perfect movie to see this Memorial Day weekend - it'll be here thru Thursday - a great way to honor our unknown American heroes!"

Acclaim for ALL FOR LIBERTY

We will be screening at Charleston's Terrace Theatre May 22-28. Here are some quotes in advance of the event....

"I am struck by the beautiful images and music...The simple patriotic truths are something everyone needs to be reminded of as they seemingly are so frequently forgotten today. I'd certainly like the world, and perhaps especially Americans, to see ALL FOR LIBERTY...so they can know who we are."

Hugh Harrington, film critic, AMERICAN REVOLUTION Magazine


“…a stunning example of how this country was formed; by men and women who would not give up until they were free. All For Liberty is a much needed film for any generation. We owe Captain Felder a debt of honor.”

Thomas Tisdale, Director, South Carolina Historical Society


“As a Living Historian, I found the attention to detail refreshing; the story and acting wonderfully reveal the passionate desire for American Independence. That these people were willing to take on the greatest army in the world testifies to the real spirit of America.”

David Gobel, His Majesty’s 64th Regiment Of Foot, Charleston

AFL scheduled for Charleston's Terrace Theatre

Charleston's Terrace Theatre has booked ALL FOR LIBERTY, for a special presentation starting May 22, 2009. The reknowned independent cinema will screen AFL at its James Island theatre location throughout Memorial Day Week.

The connection with Memorial Day is apt. ALL FOR LIBERTY, directed by Chris Weatherhead, is based on the true history of Captain Henry Felder and tracks the stories of Americans who fought and sacrificed for their new country. Shot mostly in Charleston and the South Carolina Low Country, the film has won seven international film awards, including an Accolade Award for Lead Actor for Clarence Felder who plays his direct 6th generation ancestor.

For show times, check with the Terrace Theatre, 843 762-9494 and www.terrace theatre.com

Chris Weatherhead's Blog from WorldFest Houston

APRIL 20TH -26TH, 2009: I thought my mission at the 42nd Worldfest Houston Film Festival was to receive an award and watch as many digital features as possible to learn from other directors' styles and see how they solved digital challenges similar to what I had faced.

But, as you can see from this photo, there was a much more important activity for me - that of getting to know, share war stories and constantly celebrate with other directors, actors, writers and moviemakers from all over the world. In this photo taken at the awards ceremony, I am with directors and actors from Poland, Toronto and Los Angeles. I also had received a Special Jury Award for All For Liberty, but couldn't hold all three at once!
Every person winning an award had many people shouting for them because through the week we had developed such great respect for each other.

I was very, very thrilled to accept a Platinum Remi Award for our fabulous Producer/Editor, Ron Mangravite [who could not attend] in the highly competitive Feature Trailer Competition. No one deserved it more!

Here I was back at our table after receiving a Gold Remi Award for AFL Art Direction. I accept this award on behalf of my whole exquisite AFL Production Design team for which included, Richard Heffner [The 1780's Proud Puffin Tavern set], David Gobel [the British High Command tent, etc.] Craig Hadley [many authentic props, period documents, weapons, etc.] Barry Grant and Mark Hall of The Boar's Head Traders in Rock Hill, SC and the brilliant Peggy Earp from 96 Storehouse, Aiken, SC, who even suggested the right buttons! Congrats and ever thanks to all of ya'll [as we say in the South] !

I share the Special Jury Award on behalf of Clarence Felder, star, executive producer and writer of "Captain Felder's Cannon", the play which began this journey.
And on behalf of Ron Mangravite, our producer who helped so amazingly in so many ways to complete the journey, along with our director of photography, Nick Smith and cinematographer Richard Almes, assistant director, Trevor Erickson, all of our associate producers, crew, and cast, location donors and re-enactors, and every person who supported this project, even with one important flicker of the eyes over the campfire or=2 0contribution of handsewn waistcoat...we all cared enough about freedom to tell this heroic story.

So, at the end of the week in Houston at this astounding and unique film festival I had learned far more than all the digital movie lessons and new ideas and great learning from seminars and panels. I was also taking away much more than the beautiful awards. I had discovered a very surprising reason for coming which Director, Hunter Todd, and his extraordinary staff had created and so wisely planned for all of us; the atmosphere of recognition and encouragement of kindred spirits, of sharing the suffering and joys of the human heart through each others films, and inspiring each other to greater adventures which made up for in many cases years of struggling to finish our films. And this deep, human mystical exchange is, I believe, why we are driven to keep creating movies... Thank you Worldfest Houston.

Chris Weatherhead