‘And it was only a dream’ is a feature documentary about life in 2020 told through four very different, but interconnected individuals. This is a film about trauma, isolation, and the importance of community in the American experience.
// in the American experience //
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Adam Gray
Adam Gray is a freelance photojournalist based out of New York City, covering news and feature assignments across North America and internationally. He was previously the Chief Photographer for the British press agency SWNS. Born in the North of England, he studied History at Newcastle University before starting in photojournalism. He has covered major stories worldwide, ranging from politics, migration, natural disasters, the effects of conflict, COVID-19, social movements, and unrest and the US Capitol Insurrection.
His editorial clients include Getty Images, The New York Times, Agence France-Presse, Reuters, EPA, De Volkskrant, Le Figaro, and The Sunday Times.
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Hash Halper
‘New York Romantic’ was a bohemian street artist whose art focused on spreading peace and love throughout New York City.
// From his Instagram //
Hash Halper, aka New York Romantic, has drawn over 300,000 chalk hearts in downtown NYC since 2014. To his friends and peers, he was known as an exceptional curator and fine artist.
His work has been featured in the New York Times, Vogue Japan, ABC, Lonely Planet, German Vogue, and the Paris Review among others.Hash Halper RIP 1980-2021
instagram.com/newyorkromantic
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Q Anon // Back The Blue
Wiki // QAnon (/ˈkjuːənɒn/ CUE-ə-non, or /ˈkjuːænɒn/ CUE-an-on) is a far-right American political conspiracy theory and political movement that originated in 2017. QAnon centers on fabricated claims made by an anonymous individual or individuals known as "Q". Their core belief is that a cabal of Satanic, cannibalistic child molesters is operating a global child sex trafficking ring that conspired against President Donald Trump.
QAnon has been described as a cult.
Wiki // Blue Lives Matter (also known as Police Lives Matter) is a countermovement in the United States that aims to show solidarity with the police.
Following the 2021 United States Capitol attack, many have called Blue Lives Matter hypocritical as many in the mob were showing support for Blue Lives Matter, yet they assaulted Capitol police officers. Harry Dunn, an African-American Capitol Police officer, described being beaten with a Blue Lives Matter flag
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Sophie Michel
Sophie Michel
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John Strong Clark
John Strong Clark explains the coal industry and its impact on Summers County West Virginia.
John was born in Wilmington, Delaware on December 19th, 1950. He graduated from Marshall University with a Fine Arts Degree and traveled all over the nation until he became a permanent resident of Hinton in the 70’s. He was a Jack of all trades and, yes, a master of some. He was a river guide, storyteller, musician, artist, historian, naturalist, and a gardener with a natural green thumb.
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Mark Lily
Mark Lilly is the master beekeeper for Appalachian Beekeeping Collective.
Appalachian Headwaters, is a nonprofit organization that trains, supports, and provides bees and equipment free of charge to partner beekeepers in economically distressed counties. They help their partners produce honey (and income) in the “greenest” possible way. Since 2016, they have helped more than a hundred partners get started in beekeeping for profit.
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Nicole Edwards (Biffle)
Nicole Edwards (Biffle) is a third-generation farmer of Native American and Black Appalachian descent, originally from Shelby County, Tennessee. She now resides in McDowell County, West Virginia, where she owns Creekside Farms, a now woman-owned operation focused on sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and agricultural education. Specializing in berries, honey, herbs, and value-added products, Nicole collaborates with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to promote environmental stewardship and economic development in Appalachia.
She has partnered with other female agricultural specialists to address challenges like food security, environmental conservation, and domestic violence healing through farming initiatives. Her work represents a blend of heritage, innovation, and dedication to empowering underserved communities.
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Vicki Winters
Vicki Winters // NY Travel Agent.
NYC-based Jetsetter exploring the world - one trip at a time.
// the production //
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Supernaut Films
Michael Cimpher » Producer/Director
Michael Cimpher is a shooting producer and director of broadcast documentaries, unscripted TV, and short films.
I've also worked as a cemetery caretaker, a line cook, and a bike frame builder. I've physically buried three people I didn’t know, and I once thought I was going to get into a fistfight with a fur seal in Antarctica.
This is my first feature documentary, which took me about five years to make.
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Massive Clouds
Chad Smith » Colorist
I have been in post production for over 20 years. Starting in NYC working for cable networks, providing editing + graphics services. Then later shifting my focus to color correction and finishing.
Some say it’s not the wand, it’s the wizard. Maybe that is over stating. Magic is in the eye of the beholder, or two. I like making movie magic. Like everything else in this process, it is a collaboration. You may not know the nomenclature of color science. Part of my job is to bridge your vision to the science.
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Bice Grip Recording
Bice » Final Audio Mix
Bice is a multi-instrumentalist and singer with 20+years experience as an audio professional in post-production mixing & mastering, sound design, sound editing, location recording, and music production. Experienced in meeting tight deadlines and adept at working under pressure - he has a constant focus on ensuring efficient and productive studio sessions, as well as the ability to work with varying personalities from diverse backgrounds. With film and commercial content airing on SHOWTIME, National Geographic, Sky Network, ESPN, NBC & NESN, he’s well versed in delivering to required specifications and across multiple platforms (web, cable, broadcast, theater), and providing everything from mixing/mastering, to composition and sound design.