Kickstarter

TRUE DELTA is a cinematic snapshot of the Blues tradition that remains vibrant in and around Clarksdale, Mississippi--the renowned birthplace of the Blues. The film captures the excitement of festival audiences that come from all over the world and the sweaty bravado and skill of the Blues musicians and singers on stage.  Additional interviews with church leaders, Blues historians, and local business owners show how intertwined the Blues is with the religious, economic, and cultural life of the Delta region.  Most compelling are the interviews with musicians and singers from the ages of 10 to 90, showing their commitment, their struggles, and their deep passion for the Blues. James “Super Chikan” Johnson, James Lewis “T-Model” Ford, Grammy award-winner James “Jimbo” Mathus, Guitarist/Vocalist Bill “Howl-n-Madd” Perry and the late “Big Jack” Johnson are some of the musicians you will meet in TRUE DELTA. 

James “Super Chikan” Johnson.  Photograph by Michael Scanlan

The film is off to a great start for Festivals.  It has been accepted at Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, Colorado, over Memorial Day Weekend (http://www.mountainfilm.org/festival).  Then in August it will be featured in Clarksdale at the 25th Annual Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival (http://www.sunflowerfest.org/).  This exciting reception means that the final push for funds is more pressing than ever.  We need to raise money to get ready for these and other future screenings.

Photograph by Michael Scanlan

(http://www.scanmanphotos.com/Personal/Portfolio/TrueDelta/22367247_2d3dzB#!i=1787508668&k=tH5PMcq)

WHAT WE NEED NOW

Up to this point, the film has been a labor of love and we have mostly spent our own money for travel and equipment.  We are also grateful for having received some support from our employers in the way of travel funds and research and technical assistance.  Friends and family have been wonderful in giving advice and support.

But the next stages are both crucial and costly. The editing of this compelling documentary is complete, but the film deserves (and needs!) a professional sound mix, color correction, expensive music releases, and funds for festival submission fees. Your investment and partnership in this project is vital to these next stages.  You can be part of keeping the Blues alive for future generations!

WHO WE ARE

From right to left: Daniel Cowen, Lee Quinby, Erickson Blakney, Michael Scanlan

Enthusiasts of the Blues and the Delta, we are also a filmmaking mix of producers, directors, photographers, cinematographers, editors and educators.

Directed by Lee Quinby and Daniel Cowen (http://www.danielcowen.com/)

Produced by Erickson Blakney (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/erickson-s-blakney/12/282/b50)