Barn Raisers Film Rising Up At Putnam
Many area residents aren’t aware that there is a little bit of Hollywood in their own backyard. The Quad Cities is home to many show business types and two of the most prominent figures live and operate their business in Moline, Illinois. Emmy Award nominated filmmakers Tammy and Kelly Rundle and their company, Fourth Wall Films, premiere their documentary, The Barn Raisers, this weekend at the Putnam Museum.
The Rundles and Fourth Wall Films have Midwestern roots and are formerly based out of Los Angeles. The company relocated to Moline in 2007 when they began producing their first documentary feature film, Villisca: Living with a Mystery. Mr. “Villisca” spent 14 months in theaters where it drew larger crowds than the Hollywood films it was competing with.,” Mr. Rundle said. Their second film, Lost Nation: The Iowa evolved into a three-part Native American history series. Since, they have worked on a number of winning documentaries (Letters Home to Hero Street), historical biographies (Movie Star: The Secret Lives of Jean Seberg) and a historical docu-drama feature film (Sons & Daughters of Thunder).
According to their website, www.fourthwallfilms.com, The Barn Raisers historical documentary feature film tells the story of barns in the Upper Midwest by examining them through the lens of architecture. The Barn Raisers paints a cinematic portrait of barns and builders, and reminds us that these remnants from America’s rural past are still here to be appreciated and experienced. Quad City Times Linda Cook says, “Documentaries are my favorite genre of film. Great documentaries, like this one, entertain, teach us about the human condition and help us see the world in a different way.”
This film was suggested to the Rundles during production for their documentary, Country School: One Room – One Nation. Mr Rundle remembers, “My parents both grew up on farms, so I have great memories of exploring my grandfather’s barn, which was built by my great-grandfather.” He continued by saying, “Barns may be the most iconic architectural structure in our nation, and, they tell us a lot about who we were as the nation was being settled and expanded.” Ever fueled by his inspirational mid-western heritage, Rundle says, “We are surrounded by echoes of the past that can be heard, and headed, if we listen.”
The Barn Raisers premieres on January 28, 2017 on the Putnam National Geographic Giant Screen, 1717 W. 12th St., Davenport, Iowa. The Barley House Band, whose music is featured in the film, will perform beginning at 5:45 pm. The film premieres at 6:30 pm. with Q&A with the filmmakers immediately after. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged and are available by visiting Putnam.org/Calendar.
