Director's Statement - Why "WAR"?

WHY? That is the question!
 
EVERY FAMILY HAS A HISTORY UNTOLD!

When I approached actor Nathaniel McIntyre to portray the role of OTHNIEL JUSTICE, he asked me, “What do you want people to take away from watching the film?”
 
I thought about his question deeply. I responded, “When I watch this film, I want to witness the purpose of family, the significance of faith, and the strength of love, loyalty, and commitment. Through faith and love, there’s always hope for meaning in one’s life and forgiveness; even after years of suffering. With family, it’s the one undeniable bond of who we are and where we come from. If family is rooted in faith and love, then the family will always be the compass to guide us back to who we are, when we lose sight of ourselves when we face real evil in the world. This film is about rebuilding broken families!”

When I released a CALL for MUSIC ENTRIES, I noted: “Our team is looking for music that represents the backbone and soul of America: God, family, country, love, labor, and even the pain of life that is endured then overcome!” When I received a submission from the band Honeyboy & Boots, their soulful sound INSPIRED the completion of “War”. I informed them, “This film is inspired by the hardworking coalmining families of War, West Virginia. A small town in the mountains where God comes first and family is everything. Here, long ago, the seed of the soulful heart of America was planted and still remains. However, plagued by much hardship, the spirit of hope must be resurrected!” Music shared by artists like Honeyboy and Boots is just the kind of hopeful soul music to do just that!

But WHY make this film in the first place?
 
Have you ever heard of a great human story that inspired you to be a better human being? To look at yourself and ask, “Am I doing everything with each breath of my life to love my neighbor and make a real life-changing difference as a luminary in all my encounters?” Do you ask yourself, “Am I a part of the problem in this world, or the solution?” Please permit me one more question. “Am I really FREE?”

Pictured L to R: Steve Alberts, Luciano J. Vignola, and Nathaniel McIntyre. Photo Courtesy of David G. Baker.

Nancy Bennett, a woman whom I have never met, is such a SAINT!
 
In a recent interview with Victory Talk Radio host John Baldwin, Nancy Bennett revealed how she joined her passion of medicine and God into a life lived as a Medical Missionary! An all day, every day commitment of selflessness to uplift the buried spirits of our fellow human beings suffering from poverty, homelessness, loss, and drug and alcohol addictions. A reality all too real as an increasing sickness in the American economy and way of life. As I listened, with 43 years of healthcare experience, she stated she answered God’s call to bring her life’s training to War, West Virginia (a fallen city left with ruins that more so resemble a town hit by a World War III).
 
Foundation, as in all things, is that ROCK upon which all stands. She first restored a church in McDowell County, then schools, a food bank, and HOPE!

Pictured: Paloma Pilar. Photo Courtesy of David G. Baker.

In my pursuit of knowledge, I read an article “As coal fades in West Virginia, drugs fill void” by Kimberly Johnson. Her research and investigation revealed how “McDowell County, once the top producer of coal in the nation, now leads state in overdose deaths.” She further unveiled, “McDowell’s children are the latest wave of victims as widespread addiction rips families apart — more misery for communities already suffering economic hardships from job losses in the coal industry.” An interview she shared gave overwhelming insight into the families. “When Principal Florisha McGuire wants a clue about what’s going on in the homes of her students…she often finds the answers on their feet.” It’s a fact that “… ‘on average, about 43 percent of [her] students had lost a biological mother or father,’ either from overdose or removal from their homes, McGuire said.”
 
According to Profit Confidential, America is ranked as the 8th richest country in the world. I ask myself, “How can a city, that looks and feels like a third-world country exist IN America?
 
There is an overwhelming mentality that there is no way out; and people do not reason a worth in education without any jobs. In a forgotten city, Nancy never forgets and her battle every day is to find out how to reach them.

ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!

Pictured L to R: Nathaniel McIntyre & Paloma Pilar. Photo Courtesy of David G. Baker.

As a writer, I pursued my own interviews and investigation! Lisa Bennett, producer of the Victory Television Network and daughter of Nancy Bennett (another woman whom I have never actually met in person) introduced me to a local miner who also volunteers in helping his fellow neighbors in joining in Nancy’s efforts. I learned a lot from him. His testimony touched my heart, opened my eyes, and further inspired my call to write!

“Children of War” is my first Western. I’m calling my film a Modern-Western because my picture illuminates the West of the present. You will not see perfection, you will see a story; as sharp, sudden, steady, gritty, and dark as our emotions. I did not make this project for one person, I produced this moving picture for the American spirit, which is hurting and imperfect.

Pictured: Steve Alberts. Photo Courtesy of David G. Baker.

The stars aligned and I was gifted 16 hours (in a single day) to shoot “War” with some of the most passionate artists I’m honored to collaborate with. My cast and crew talent were already booked for other gigs and I was profoundly blessed to have even ONE DAY, ONE STORY, and ONE OPPORTUNITY to accomplish ONE FILM!

As an artist, I’m in awe of how art will literally take a life of its own!