Megan MacDonald
Director . Writer . Actor
Founder of Dawning Film Productions
NEWS
Gently as We Go: A Premiere Screening
and Stage Production Event
at the LoKo Arts Festival at SUNY Potsdam
Dawning Film Productions will premiere its most recent production, Gently as We Go on May 4th and 5th at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre at the Performing Arts Center on SUNY Potsdam’s campus. Dawning Film Productions is a Richville-based studio that has teamed up with Square Top Theatre to produce an event that features the work in both film and stage productions.
The evening will begin with a screening of the film, Gently as We Go, directed by Megan MacDonald and written by Damon Falke of Norway. Then, there will be a live performance of the Gently as We Go stage play, also written by Falke and directed by Charles M Pepiton of Square Top Theatre in Washington State.
As an interesting dynamic, both the stage and screen performances for this event feature the same performers, Cole Siebels of Gouverneur and Grace Plumley of Madrid.
By framing the Gently as We Go screen and stage plays in these contexts, we allow ourselves to experience the nuance of performance; how it shifts, how it changes, and how it affects the viewer. To end the evening, the creative team will hold a talk-back with the audience after the stage performance to explore these themes, their international partnership, and creative process. MacDonald, Pepiton, and Falke began their collaboration in 2014 with Square Top Theatre’s production of Falke’s play Now at the Uncertain Hour, with MacDonald playing the role of “The Collector”. Pepiton directed the performance which premiered at the Edwards Opera House and was featured on NCPR.
Produced in Northern New York, Gently as We Go brings viewers on the journey of two young people facing the uncertainties of young romance. The film is the first of a trilogy directed by MacDonald and written by Falke. The film trilogy highlights the natural beauty of Northern New York and the immense talent of the artists that live locally.
MacDonald is a 2021 award winner at the Montreal Independent Film Festival. This film is supported by a North Country Arts Recovery Fund grant provided through the National Endowment for the Arts American Rescue Plan Subgranting for Local Arts Agencies program and is administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council. The LoKo Arts Festival is made possible by the generosity and artistic vision of Kathryn (Kofoed) '54 and Donald Lougheed (Hon.'54).
For more information about the Gently as We Go: Film Screening and Live Performance event at the LoKo Arts Festival, the short film and involved artists, you may follow us on Facebook or visit www.meganmacdonald.net/gentlyaswego, www.squaretoptheatre.org, www.cpepiton.com, or www.damonfalke.com.
Dawning Film Productions at the Lake Placid Film Festival
Dawning Film Productions would like to thank the Lake Placid Film Festival for the opportunity to present “Collaboration and Concept: Filmmaking For Rural Communities".
We discussed the challenges of producing a film in a rural area. Attendees learned how to utilize local and international resources to fully develop their film: from adapting a script to fit project parameters, to utilizing local artists and funding sources, to getting the most out of their finished film through unique venues and screening opportunities. This workshop is all about thinking outside the box, using available resources, and forging your own path through film production.
This seminar was one of many great educational seminars at the 2022 Lake Placid Film Festival. Together with Morgan Elliott of Ridge 44 Productions, we fully enjoyed walking filmmakers through our process, and discussing how to make good use of a rural landscape.
Be sure to keep an eye on their line-up for next year, as it is already promising to be even better than the last!
In Production
Danu
Written & Directed by
Megan MacDonald
How, in the search for wisdom, do we come to discover ourselves? In a time when we so readily hold the mirror of other people's lives up to our own, we risk never finding our own authenticity.
But, in rare moments, we find a person that acts as a guiding maternal force. Instead of seeing our failings, we see only our possibilities.
In this short documentary film, we explore the relationship between Megan MacDonald (director) and her beloved mentor, Kimberley Bouchard. They reflect on the rich connection they have shared over decades and continents - and the inimitable bond that forms between wisdom-seekers and storytellers.
Currently in pre-production.
Filming will take place on location in Northern New York.
Release date: Fall 2022
Gently As We Go
Written by
Damon Falke
Directed by
Megan MacDonald
Gently as We Go is the story of two young people facing the uncertainties of a young romance. After a day spent hiking, Sam Hardy and Natalie Mara return late to Natalie’s home for the first time in their relationship. Recognizing the possibility of intimacy, Sam and Natalie talk about their day spent in a remote landscape and hint at what might come next. While one of them is reaching, the other is letting go. Between them is the grace of a world that has already touched them.
Gently as We Go is the premier production between director Megan MacDonald and writer Damon Falke. It is also the initial installment of a trilogy of short films that follow moments in the life of Sam Hardy, as he tries to reclaim those places and people whom he has lost.
Currently in pre-production.
Filming will take place on location in Northern New York.
Release date: Winter 2022
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Leaden Hearts (2019)
