Indian Givers: The True Story of Moss Lake, a book that chronicles the 1974 to 1977 occupation of Moss Lake by members of the Mohawk Indian nation, is being made into a documentary film.
Kurt and Ximena Gardner. Photo by Wende Carr
The co-authors of the 2010 book, Romey Gallo and Wayne Martin, are working with local videographers Ximena and Kurt Gardner of Adirondack Moun-tain Productions, in producing the film.
Gallo and Martin, both retired NY State Troopers who were assigned to the Moss Lake site during the conflict, pitched the idea of the documentary to the Gardners after reading an October 2012 article in The Weekly Adirondack regarding their production of the short film, “And Winter Slow,” that was being screened at the Strand Theatre.
The Gardners agreed to produce the project, and were astounded by the number of local people who had first-hand knowledge of the conflict who are still living in the area.
Among those contacted about talking about their experiences on film are Big Moosers Denny McAllister and Doug and Bonnie Bennett, Gus Drake, Bill Chesebro, and Bob Crofut.
The Gardners have just begun work on the trailer, filming Gallo at his North Carolina home.
Next to film will be April, who as a nine-year-old girl vacationing with her family in the Big Moose area, was shot during the conflict.
Kurt Gardner and crew filming a Vilebrequin video advertisement in Old Forge
They are also hoping to speak with members of the Mohawk nation.
Once the trailer is finished this spring, Kurt said it will be posted on kickstarter.com, an all-or-nothing online funding platform for creative projects.
Viewers will then have the opportunity to make contributions toward creation of the full-length documentary.
The Gardners intend to run the trailer for 30 days and it is their hope to raise $20,000 to $30,000 for production costs.
The largest expense related to creating a documentary is the editing process, which they said will have to be hired out.
However, they will be able to keep other production costs down with the help of New York University film and grad students.
The Gardners are currently seeking original photographs from the period, any film footage or audio recordings, or any other types of materials that can be loaned to assist with the project.
They are also looking for information about Rights for American Indians Now (RAIN), an organization which was active during the Moss Lake occupation.
Anyone wishing to help out can contact the Gardners at 917-673-1534, or ximena@adirondackmountainproductions.com.
