New York city based filmmaker Emilie McDonald returns to Kershaw County for the South Carolina premiere of her award winning short film Crossing the River. The film will screen at the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County on Sunday June, 30th at 7:00pm. The film is inspired by a true story of a modern-day cross burning and told from the point of view of both victim and perpetrator. The 15 minute short film was produced and filmed in Kershaw County in 2012 and stars first time actors and brothers Tyler and Landon Williams.
McDonald spent part of her childhood living outside Camden and has family living in Columbia. “We didn't shoot our movie in South Carolina because of the theme of our film. We could've produced it anywhere.” McDonald explains “We chose Camden and the area because of it's cinematic value.”
In researching the film, McDonald discovered a statistic from the Southern Poverty Law Center that 40-50 cross burnings happen every year across the U.S. And Canada. “I was startled and saddened” McDonald states “Most Americans assume cross burnings are part of the U.S.'s past. This lack of awareness is partly because these crimes are rarely reported”
The film has screened at the Dances With Films Film Festival, WAMMFest and the NYC Downtown Short Film Festival where it received the Best Ensemble Cast Award. The film will screen June 25th at the Screen Actors Guild Foundation Short Film Showcase in New York City.
View the trailer for “Crossing The River” online at by clicking here.
Visit the film's website here.
Sunday June 30th
7:00pm
Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County
810 Lyttleton Street
Camden, SC
Suggested donation of $5
All proceeds go towards technical expenses and the Fine Arts Center
-- Wade Sellers