THEFILM

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THESYNOPSIS

When the government tries to take Farmer Sam Shoemaker’s land to build an interstate, he decides it’s time to secede from the USA and start his own Micronation in order to save his home. Along the way, he makes some unlikely friends and possibly learns to let go of the past and love again.

THEMUSIC

Born out of long friendships and late-night bonfires in Indianapolis, Bigfoot Yancey is a Midwestern Americana outfit whose music feels as lived-in as a well-worn flannel. Drawing on guitars, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, and even a musical saw, they weave together folk, roots, and heartland storytelling — earnest, adventurous, and deeply human. Bigfoot Yancey brings that same warmth and authenticity to the world of Micronation.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

THESCENE

Shot in 2024 • Proof of Concept Scene: The government is seizing Sam Shoemaker's farm through eminent domain to build an interstate. In an attempt to stop this, he seceded from the USA and created a micronation with his new friend, Ecco Flowers. Unfortunately, this only delayed the process. As of 6:00am this morning, anyone remaining on the land will be arrested.

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THEAWARDS

LEADERSHIPTEAM

Writer / Director / Producer

Dustin Brenton

Dustin Brenton is a visionary creative director and award-winning screenwriter with a passion for storytelling across multiple mediums. With an Associate Degree in Graphic Design and Web & Interactive Media from Ivy Tech-Columbus, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management from WGU-Indiana, he has spent years behind the camera directing videos and crafting compelling brand narratives for clients. As the founder of Brenton Creative and co-founder of the Torchfire Film Festival, Dustin brings a sharp artistic eye and community-driven spirit to every project. Recognized as one of Graphic Design USA’s Designers to Watch, he also explored creativity through his podcast Create. Talk. Repeat., where he interviewed artists and innovators worldwide. Beyond marketing and filmmaking, he channels his artistic energy into music production and painting, constantly pushing creative boundaries.

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Co-Director / Director of Photography / Producer

James "JD" Brenton

James Brenton earned an Associate Degree in Video Production from The Art Institute of Philadelphia. In 2010, he founded First Frame Productions, which he continues to lead, producing videos for Fortune 500 companies such as Eli Lilly and Company and Cummins. With a deep-rooted passion for filmmaking, James has been involved in the industry since his role in the independent film Of Tomorrow’s Unknown (1991). His experience spans various roles, including production assistant on Killer Instinct (2001), Director of Photography on Creeporia (2014), and director/editor for the Killer’s Touch music video by The Graveyard Stompers. In addition to his production work, James is the co-founder of the Torchfire Film Festival, which champions independent filmmakers and their stories. Most notably, he served as the Director of Photography for H.P. Lovecraft’s Witch House (2021), an independent horror film that has garnered several awards at international film festivals and achieved global distribution.

1st AC / Gaffer / Producer

Derek Hobart

Derek Hobart earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Video Production with a minor in Theatre from Indiana University. Over the course of his career in corporate media, he has held a wide range of roles, including grip, camera assistant, audio mixer, boom operator, gaffer, director of photography, and producer. His client portfolio includes prominent organizations such as Cummins, NBC National News, E! Entertainment News, and Apple TV. Driven by his passion for music and Halloween, Derek founded The Graveyard Stompers, a theatrical Halloween-themed entertainment band. Combining his creative background with his technical expertise, he wrote and produced the band’s music videos, “Killer’s Touch” and “Ghastly Grimm’s.”