News & Updates

Cool News!

Hey now!

I have super cool news to share with you…our film was approved for Fiscal Sponsorship with Film Independent! I know….exciting!!! This will help us when we apply for grants…and it also allows anyone who wants to, to contribute to Box of Rain. There’s also a new trailer on our website and our Fiscal Sponsorship page…stop by to check it out! Oh, and if you know anyone who wanted to donate but missed the crowdfunding campaign, please feel free to share this link with them:

Box of Rain – Fiscal Sponsorship Page

I’ll have more news to share soon…we’re currently adding music and a few finishing touches to the film. I can’t wait to share it with you guys!
Thanks for all your support and kind words…we love hearing from you, so keep those emails coming!

Love & Light
~Lonnie

A Message from Francisca Zapata

Originally from Chile, I have walked many paths: working as a nurse, a flight attendant and finally establishing a career in Film Production. I definitely thrive while working in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable environments, and that’s why this project was so interesting to me! I am always compelled by stories that examine the female perspective; and I believe we succeeded in bringing that to this film.

Having built a new life in a new country, I can totally relate to the sense of seeking community and finding a place to call home, in looking for a safe place where you can be your own person and feel safe. Lonnie’s story inspires me and it shows me that there is good in the world and it’s worth waiting for.

Through this film I have discovered the amazing Deadhead community, and since then, I find them everywhere I go!

I’m not a Deadhead, but I definitely wish I was born in the 60’s!
Fran

A Message from the DP

I’ll admit, my eyes glazed over filming the first few interviews on this project. When Lonnie brought the idea to me, I wanted to help out because I could. She was obviously so passionate about the film that I wanted to do whatever I could to help make it a reality. But I am not a Deadhead.

At first, I didn’t feel like I had much to add. I knew some of the popular Grateful Dead songs, but nothing about the band or DeadHeads. I knew how to film and edit, but still, this type of project was a first for both Lonnie and me.

But this project spanned years, and time changed the way both of us approached the film. The bigger picture came into focus, and we saw the story we needed to tell.

Throughout the editing process, I’ve felt that I have an enormous responsibility to Lonnie, to DeadHeads, and to all survivors to tell the story of a road trip, a community, and healing. I hope the final project does everyone justice.

Elizabeth Kopetka

David Gans songs…in our film! WOW!!!

Yep, it’s true! David Gans is allowing us to use some of his music for our film! This is so amazing…and we’re excited to share this with you, because we know you’re going to be excited, too! Having the right music for a project is incredibly important, and we have definitely been extremely lucky to connect with such talented artists to make this project come alive. Don’t forget to stop by our Indiegogo campaign page to see all the cool perks we’re offering to supporters. Make sure you check out David’s website and catch his live performances on his Facebook page

Our Crowdfunding Campaign Has Launched!

Hey everybody! Super excited to share this news with you: our crowdfunding campaign is up, and we hope you’ll stop by and check it out! We have some pretty cool perks available for you, and some pretty awesome photos on the page. Even if you can’t jump in and help financially right now, you’d be helping us out just by visiting the page…and hey, if you know someone who might be interested in the project, you can help by spreading the word! Keep checking back for updates…we have lots more to share with you!

Visit the Campaign

Road Trip, Take Two

Sometimes you just have to get back on the road to find the magic you need for a project. So that’s what we’re doing. Elizabeth and I are driving from opposite ends of the country and meeting (almost) in the middle. This journey started in Red Rocks in 1985, and we felt a strong pull back to the place where things began. On this trip we filmed stunning footage that we needed to pull the story together…and while we were in the area, we met with and interviewed Brian O’Donnell! Brian created ‘Deadheads’, the original documentary about Deadheads….and when I told him we’d be in the area, he offered to meet with us so we could tell him more about our project….and of course, we picked up the footage we’ll be using in our film. One thing that has never stopped amazing me is the capacity for genuine kindness and openness that I have consistently found within the Deadhead community. Once again, weary travelers were taken in and showered with warmth and acceptance. Every time I experience this, I am reminded once again why I am making this film. So much love and gratitude to Elizabeth, Brian, and Beth for making this trip another magical memory.

Archival Footage

Just when you think you might have everything you need for your project, you’re offered something so amazing, it just blows you away! That’s what happened to us this month when we were granted access to beautiful archival footage from some wonderful folks. One of those folks is Brian O’Donnell who created ‘Deadheads’, the original Deadhead documentary 25 years ago! Brian’s footage has been used in the epic Grateful Dead documentary, ‘Long Strange Trip’…and now, some of that amazing footage will be in our film as well! Hope you’re as excited as we are!

 

New Interview

Super excited to share some news! Elizabeth will be traveling to film an interview with Deadhead and author, Peter Conners! They’ll be complying with Covid restrictions, don’t worry. We are so happy to have this wonderful opportunity and can’t thank Peter enough for being open to this. Wish us luck!

Hey Now!

Thank you so much for stopping by. So much has been happening with this project! We decided it was time for an update.

After filming interviews in several states, we began gathering and scanning memorabilia and images provided by some of the most amazing folks on earth: DeadHeads.

We are currently in the process of organizing all of this phenomenal material! If you have any images or memorabilia you would like to share with us, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us and we will be in touch soon.

Love & Light,

Lonnie

Summer…already?

It’s hard to believe summer is right around the corner. As we’ve all eased into the new-normal, I’ve been busy working on our project and have some amazing news I can’t wait to share…soon! As soon as we have confirmation, I’ll post an update! Stay safe out there.