Several months ago, I got an email from Kim Waltrip, an established and successful film producer, who wanted to talk with me about making a film length documentary based on Bernard Daly’s Promise. It was a complete out-of-the-blue surprise. I’d always known that it’s a compelling story and many people had told me it would make a great movie but, I never imagined it would happen – it’s happening.
The book was brought to Kim’s attention by Kathy (O’Keeffe) Boespflug, the granddaughter of Cornelius O’Keeffe, an early Lake County settler. Kim, Kathy, and I have teamed up and are now working to create a documentary, The Daly Promise. This is all new for me, but I’m thrilled that through the documentary we’ll be able to share the remarkable story of Bernard Daly and his scholarship, a legacy that has transformed lives and communities for more than a century.
We’re still early in the process, at the point where we are developing the script and seeking funding for the project from donors and investors. Independent films like The Daly Promise depend on the generosity of people who believe in the story and the power of storytelling. Hope you’ll consider being a part of the project by making a donation through our GoFundMe site, and share the link with others who may be interested. With a goal of raising $100,000, every contribution, no matter the size, is important in helping to cover costs from filming and editing to music, travel, and post-production.
And, for those of you who live in or near Lakeview, I hope you’ll come to the Lake County Library “Night at the Library” (26 South G St., Lakeview) on Friday, November 14th at 5:30 where the producer (Kim Waltrip) and I will talk about the documentary project (Appetizers and no-host beverages provided by Friends of Lake County Library).
I’ll update you on our progress in future blog entries.
