TAX DEDUCTIBLE
Like many independent films, we have a fiscal sponsor that offers us 501 (c) (3) non-profit status. Our fiscal sponsor is the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County (HCSCC) in Moorhead, MN. (Moorhead, Minnesota is a twin city of Fargo, North Dakota.) HCSCC oversees and monitors all spending on this film.
THE FILM
“Compassion on the Battlefield in WWII” is a 26-minute documentary short of extraordinary moments of heartwarming humanity in the midst of war’s cruelty and carnage.
First inspired by hearing two stories of compassion between enemies during WWII, I began my passionate pursuit of developing a powerful short film that shines light on this hidden aspect of WWII. These compassionate acts speak to the human spirit that exists in all mankind, even when thrust into the most horrific of circumstances.
Six World War II veterans and three WWII experts weigh in on these little known stories of compassion that take the viewer on unexpected emotional journeys as veterans recount unique compassionate acts during wartime, some that irrevocably changed their lives.
Growing up in a world where “thou shalt not kill” is taught, but where “kill or be killed” is ingrained during military training, this moving film exposes humanly raw compassion shown in the most unlikely situations.
Shot on location in Germany, England, and various locations in the United States, “Compassion on the Battlefield in WWII” offers an intimate look at another side of battlefield engagement, where compassion surfaces in the name of humanity.
The goal is to have this film aired on Public Television, as well as shown at Film Festivals and to launch an extensive school and library campaign to introduce this into the educational system.
THE IMPACT
" The world needs to know that there can be compassion in war.
Humanity needs this film."
Edward W. Wood, Jr.
WWII Veteran
Author of Worshipping the Myths of WWII
We believe this film will enlighten viewers that we, as a society, are all more similar than different, and that empathy has the power to bond and unite even in the darkest of circumstances.
While WWII is remembered for its harsh reality of devastating proportions, the hidden compassions also deserve recognition and tribute. With this film, we honor and remember the lives of those who served and the redemptive powers of compassionate humanity.
WHY THIS PROJECT?
When I was very young, my dad was stateside in Vietnam at Camp Pendleton, CA and this experience created in me a keen interest in war.
We moved a lot because of my father’s career in the medical field and new schools every few years brought pain and loneliness into my life. I became the object of teasing and I quickly learned what it was like to be an “outsider.” These experiences taught me compassion for others, no matter what walk of life …. And compassion became my overriding theme in life.
While in graduate school at New York University, I studied WWII and had many Jewish friends. My best friend tragically lost almost all of her family during the Holocaust. I became acutely interested in trying to better understand why WWII happened.
Several years later, I heard two of the most unusual stories of compassion between enemies in WWII. These stories stuck with me for years leaving me with an indelible desire to share what I had heard...and my film idea was finally born.
With a strong background as a marketer and creative director, I created and oversaw ad campaigns for some of the biggest brands in the world (such as, Oil of Olay, Clearasil, IBM, Saturday Evening Post and American Express).
This is my first film, therefore, I’ve made sure to surround myself with an awesome team that either has extensive documentary experience and/or a passion for my vision. Both my Directors of Photography have extensive experience with documentaries on TV – whether it be the History Channel, National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, CNN, ABC, NBC and CBS. My Editor/Writer, Dan Geiger, has extensive experience with made-for-TV documentaries.
Please see a sample of the quality of our footage in this 6-minute clip by clicking here!
WHY NOW?
This film needs to be done now because learnng about compassionate acts on the battlefield will help us better understand war … something that is critical in the current landscape of war in the 21st century.
WWII veterans are dying at a rapid pace of 600 each day. It is important that we complete this film soon while these veterans are still alive.
WHAT WE NEED
We’re excited to say we’ve completed most of our filming. We have only one day left of filming in Southern Illinois where we’ll film the well-known expert, Lieutenant-Colonel David Grossman, author of On Combat and On Killing, and we’ll film one remaining WWII veteran’s first-person story.
Below is a breakdown of remaining expenses for which we need funding:
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STRETCH GOALS
If we exceed our goal, we'll use additional funds for marketing, film festivals, premier and sub-titles. If not, please look forward to another crowdfunding campaign!
PERKS
Please see the awesome PERKS available for your donation to support this film!
THE TEAM
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Producer/Director - Stephanie Manesis
I'm Stephanie Manesis. I have 20 years of experience marketing brands and companies around the world. I began my marketing career at Procter & Gamble where I was on a team that marketed and managed brands in excess of $175 million, including Oil of Olay and Clearasil.
As CEO and owner of an advertising agency, I created, wrote and directed advertising campaigns across the United States, including for clients, Rolodex, Radisson Seven Seas, Lego Toys, American Express Financial Advisors, and Saturday Evening Post.
I have taught marketing, advertising, international relations and English as a Second Language at six post-secondary institutions, including University of Wisconsin-Madison.
I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a B.A. in French. I have a M.A. in French Studies and a M.B.A. (graduating with distinction) in marketing and international business from New York University. I spent two semesters abroad in France and later lived in Costa Rica for a year.
My grandfather was a World War II veteran and my father served at Camp Pendleton, CA during the Vietnam War. I have interviewed 43 veterans, 36 of whom have serv ed in WWII, and these interviews are being preserved in historical archives.
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Director of Photography (first locations) - Jim Ledoux
My name is Jim Ledoux. I’m pleased that I could bring my 25-plus years of photography experience to “Compassion on the Battlefield in WWII” so her vision could be brought to life on film.
As a hands-on Production Manager and Director, I have a wide background in broadcast, corporate and nonprofit projects ranging from live, multi-camera, television programs to webcasts, sports features, reality shows, feature films and documentaries.
I graduated in Film Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia. For four years, I directed live studio television in New York City as the Director/Studio Manager of Financial News Network and CNBC Wall Street Facilities.
Later, I began freelance work as a Producer/Director/Director of Photography. Some of my recent projects include a series of short documentaries for Microsoft and principal photography for HGTV’s series, My First Place.
In addition to Microsoft and HGTV, I also have worked with: The Food Network, KingWorld Productions, ESPN, HDNet, CBS Sports/News, CNN, CNBC, CSPAN, ABC Sports/News, Home Depot, Discovery Channel, Harpo Productions and National Geographic. I currently live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Director of Photography (second locations) - Michael Hartzel
I’m Michael Hartzel from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I co-own Blackice Productions with my spouse who is also a producer. I’ve had the great privilege to work alongside some of the most accomplished cinematographers in the film industry over the past 20 years.
I’ve brought my acute awareness of lighting and composition to film many projects, establishing myself as an award winning Director of Photography. My accomplishments include independent films, commercials and broadcast work. I have filmed at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, the London Olympics in 2012 and Brazil Olympics in 2016.
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Camera Operation/Production Assistant - Matt McGregor
Hello! My name is Matt McGregor and I work for Rush Street Productions in Fargo, ND on the TV show “Poker Night in America.” Prior to this, I owned my own production company making websites and videos.
Previously, I worked for Heartland Poker Tour as an editor and as a technical director. I also have 9 years of production and creative services experience at TV stations KVLY and KXJB of Fargo, ND.
I have been a part of many independent films, both narrative and documentary, and participated in many award-winning teams for Fargo’s 48 Hour film contest. I studied Mass Communications at North Dakota State University with a minor in Speech Communications with an emphasis in film. I’m originally from Jamestown, North Dakota and currently live in Fargo.
When Stephanie told me about her vision for this short documentary film, I was excited to be given the opportunity to hear some of the stories she was seeking first hand - stories that would soon be forgotten if not documented. I was glad to be part of her team.
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Associate Producer - Paula Maddox
Hi! My name is Paula Maddox. I’m a nonprofit business professional, currently working as a grant proposal writer in Georgia. I have known Stephanie for 20 years and when she approached me about working on this project, I was thrilled!
Stephanie's passion for this short documentary “Compassion on the Battlefield in WWII” was immediately evident. Her conviction and determination to share these heartwarming stories of compassion through film offers viewers an alternative lens with which to consider the humanity that exists in all of us, even in the midst of the most horrific of circumstances.
Having worked on a previous historical video project - the Veterans’ History Project - while I was employed at an Alabama archival facility, I was eager to be a part of Stephanie’s venture. The Alabama project allowed me to interview veterans and active service military so their personal military histories could be preserved for future generations. The 45 interviews I conducted (29 of whom were World War II veterans) are now housed in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Personally, I have a long family lineage of military history. My great-great grandfather joined the Confederacy as a reservist at the age of 46 and my great-grandfather served in the Confederacy. My grandfather was a World War I veteran. My father was a World War II Purple Heart recipient and my uncle died at Omaha Beach. My husband is also a veteran who served during the Vietnam era.
Academically, I hold a B.S. in Marketing and a M.B.A from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. I have worked in for-profit and non-profit capacities in Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska. I currently live in Alabama.
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Editor - Dan Geiger
Hello, I’m Dan Geiger and I’ve worked in the film business for over 35 years on feature films such as: Fargo, North Country, Purple Rain, Wildrose, Far North, Herman-U.S.A., Snow and The Jingle Dress. I’ve also edited documentaries such as: First Daughter and the Black Snake and The Dinkytown Uprising.
I was also a cinematographer on the Oscar-winning documentary, American Dream by Barbara Kopple. Others I have worked with include: The Coen Bros., Steven A. Rivkin, Sandra Schulberg, Sam Shepard, Bill Pohlad and Niki Caro.
After studying art and photography and working as a graphic designer, I entered filmmaking as a cinematographer, producer and writer/director on my own short films. Over the years, I have worked in L.A., New York, San Francisco, Chicago and New Orleans, in every facet of filmmaking. I currently live in Minneapolis and work primarily as an editor or assistant editor.
I believe history is very important to know and remember. I look forward to assisting Stephanie in creating a testament to those that fought and sacrificed in WWII for the good of the country and the world. We should never forget a war and its participants.
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Intern (Concordia College, Moorhead, MN) - Kellan Weyer
I'm Kellan Weyer and am a recent graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. I am currently enrolled in Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN.
I enjoy the craft of filmmaking and am interested in all things war-related. I believe in the importance of helping veterans and allowing them to share their stories to promote understanding and compassion in the wider culture.
Other Ways You Can Help
Can’t give right now? We would still love your help! Please share the Indiegogo campaign, trailer, links, and updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or Pinterest or by email to help us spread the word and to build buzz for the project – and be sure to use the Indiegogo share tools when spreading the word about our campaign.
Thank you so much for your support, and here's to a successful campaign!