FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dawning Film Productions has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the North Country Arts Recovery Fund for the short film project, Gently as We Go, directed by Megan MacDonald and written by Damon Falke. The film is the first of a trilogy directed by MacDonald, a 2021 award winner at the Montreal Independent Film Festival. This talented young filmmaker is taking on an international collaboration with Falke, an American writer now living in Northern Norway. The film has been adapted for screen from Falke's stage play of the same title.

North Country Arts Recovery Fund grants support eligible organizations and jobs in the arts sector that have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. This grant funding is provided through the National Endowment for the Arts American Rescue Plan (NEA ARP) Subgranting for Local Arts Agencies program and is administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council, SLC Arts.

Being produced in Northern New York, "Gently as We Go" brings viewers on the journey of two young people facing the uncertainties of young romance. This film will highlight the natural beauty of Northern New York and the immense talent of the artists that live here.

“Since the film industry is sparse north of Syracuse, it is vital to offer support, resources, and opportunities to rural filmmakers whenever possible,” stated Megan MacDonald, Director and Owner of Dawning Film Productions. “This grant will allow my production company to pay film artists to make pieces that bolster their portfolios in the creation of a meaningful, quality short film.” 

Dawning Film Productions is supported in part by American Rescue Plan funding, through SLC Arts, which receives support for the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The company seeks to create and support a network of local filmmakers while increasing visibility of underrepresented artists.

Though Falke and MacDonald knew of each other’s work a decade ago when she performed in Square Top Theatre’s production of “Now at the Uncertain Hour,” written by Falke and directed by Charlie Pepiton, they began their correspondence and collaboration in 2020. Damon has published extensively. His work with Square Top Theatre has been selected for numerous grants, including a grant from the U.S.-Norwegian Embassy (2020), as well as screenings and awards at various film festivals, including Northwest Film Forum, West Sound Film Festival, AVIFF Cannes, The Cinema On The Bayou, and National Nordic Museum. Additionally, Mr. Falke’s films have been screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

Morgan Elliott has signed on to “Gently as We Go” as the Director of Photography (DoP). Elliott is well known as the Director of "Potty Town" (2022), the feature documentary film. His work as a cinematographer and DoP has been honored with a handful of award-winning short films over the past decade. 

Gently as We Go is in production now and a public screening of the film is planned for Thursday, May 4th and Friday, May 5th at 7:30 pm in the Black Box Theatre at the SUNY Potsdam Performing Arts Center as part of the LoKo Arts Festival. Admission is free.

Follow us on Facebook at Gently Trilogy or visit: http://www.meganmacdonald.net/gentlyaswego.
 
Media Contact: Megan MacDonald: 315-679-7456