Filmmaker Travis Hamilton said he is always keeping his eyes open for ideas for new projects. His latest was conceived while visiting a Los Angeles beach. He said he saw an older woman with her husband as she was being pushed along the pier in a wheelchair.
“They looked so happy to be at the ocean. The image just stuck with me,” he said.
The image evolved into a movie concept for “Touch the Water,” a film that portrays an 80-year-old woman struggling at this stage in her life. The movie tagline is, “You are never too old to dream.”
Planning began, locations were being scouted and the casting call was sent out. Things were moving right along until recently when Hamilton stopped by the assisted living facility he was using as a setting for the film. The door was locked as precautions were being taken to guard against the spread of COVID-19.
With this very real barrier, Hamilton said it seemed like every avenue that had been open had been closed. Funding has dried up and actors have had to be put on hold.
He has 15 actors ready to go, but social distancing guidelines interfere with them being in groups, which he needs for filming. He said he has no idea when he will be able to put out the call for his two lead actors, whom he hopes will be Native American. Hamilton would like many of the supporting actors to be Native American as well.
Hamilton was introduced to Northern Arizona’s Native cultures when he did missionary work on both the Navajo and Hopi reservations. In addition to celebrating cultural diversity in the film, Hamilton also strives to demonstrate respect for all ages, especially seniors.
“In my 40s, I can learn from them. My kids need to be connected with parents and great grandparents. We know they are there but how often do we visit? That is the heart of the film for me,” he said.
The movie tells the story of Daisy, an accomplished Native American elder, who is encouraged to dream again by a young intern at the Senior Day Center. Despite her frail body, Daisy sets her youthful mind on a quest to fulfill a life-long dream.
“She fills her journal with the complications and the journey,” he said.
Hamilton, an experienced filmmaker whose films have shown at Harkins Theatres Flagstaff and elsewhere, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cultural anthropology from Northern Arizona University.
The film was originally expected to be in production this month and released in the fall. However, during these uncertain times, much of the project is on hold while Hamilton continues to do the work that can be done. He hopes to be putting out the call for more actors soon.
To chronicle his journey in this endeavor, he started a blog called Holt Hamilton Films.
For more information, visit HoltHamilton.com. FBN
By Patty McCormac, FBN