PETER BUCK

Peter, why take on cinematography for this particular project?

PETER BUCK (Cinematographer): A number of years ago I saw the initial iteration of the story - McMath's stage play produced in Waterford, Virginia - and I remember thinking what a wonderful film it would make. Now I have the chance to help put it on the screen. So I'm interested in bringing the story to life, but as a former resident of Waterford I'm also a firm believer in preserving our past.

Are you interested in a particular artistic approach to this work?

PETER: This part of Virginia was a war zone during the Civil War - the Quaker residents were constantly threatened with deprivation and destruction by both armies. Being a young woman in those times with few men to "protect" them had it's own unique stresses, so the film needs to capture that feel and pull the viewer into that emotional and physical state of being. Only then can the uniqueness and daring of what the girls did be appreciated.

MEREDITH BEAN McMATH

MEREDITH (Writer/Director): I couldn't agree more.

So how will that be accomplished?

MEREDITH: I think we'll be focusing on a very intimate telling of the story - concentrate on the tension between characters. We have the right settings, the costumes and the actors who can pull it off. Most of the filming will be done at Clermont, an amazing 18th century estate in Berryville, Virginia - one of those places that gives off a "lost in time" feeling. Another way to increase story tension will come after filming - through sound and music editing. An incredible up and coming Nashville songwriter and musician named Nathan Chapman will be creating an original score for us - covers of old Civil War tunes mixed with his original music.

Meredith, why is this story so important?

MEREDITH: Oh, I think a close up view of the nature and actions of heroic human beings is always worth the effort, don't you? The big picture in this little picture is the strength it takes for anyone to survive daily life-and-death conflict.  These were people who woke up one morning and found war literally at the door.  The girls were normal young women trying to stick to their principals - the men in the area, hard-working Quakers trying to avoid fighting for either army.  They would have been any one of us.  So how they dealt with war - survived, and even won the day - that's the stuff of legend. 
Hopefully we're able to sell the final version to a distributor, and then we hope some of the proceeds will go toward the Lincoln Preservation Foundation's efforts to restore Grace Church. 

The real Lida Dutton

of Waterford, Virginia

Carol, tell us about Grace Church!

CAROL DUKES (Lincoln Preservation Foundation): This was one of Loudoun's first legal black congregations, and it holds a rich history worth exploring. It was founded and built in 1872 by former slaves with the help of a local Quaker congregation, and the building is a beautiful example of 19th century stonework.

CAROL MORRIS DUKES

So, what will Grace Methodist Episcopal Church be used for after its renovation?

CAROL: The Church will stand as an example of an original Freeman structure. The building will be open to the public, and the lower level will house a modest African-American Heritage museum.

MEREDITH: If it weren't for Grace Church, "Waterford's War" wouldn't be happening. The Foundation was thinking of ways to raise money for the "Saving Grace" project, and Carol approached me to perform the play in Lincoln in 2003 as a benefit. The play (All for the Union!) raised $10,000 toward the restoration.  Then Peter Buck created a five-minute documentary on the church project which Carol asked me to see. The creativity and quality of it blew me away - and Peter put it together in three days! Then Carol said, "You've got to meet Peter - he wants to make a movie from your play." Well, I didn't need to hear that twice...

Contact Peter Buck, Cinematographer, Waterford Productions, LLC
Contact Meredith Bean McMath, Writer/Director, Run, Rabbit, Run Productions, Inc.
Contact Carol Morris Dukes, Board Member, The Lincoln Preservation Foundation