As a filmmaker, I am inspired by the many legendary directors and writers who have used their work to bring important humanitarian and civil rights issues to light. I am in awe of the impact that films like Glory (1989) and Lincoln (2012) have had on audiences, and I am honored to continue this tradition with my own film, Marbles and Bullets.
Throughout the history of cinema, filmmakers have used their art to explore and address the critical social and political issues of their time. These films have often served as a powerful voice for change, inspiring audiences to take action and make a difference in the world.
The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, was a pivotal moment in American history that shaped the nation's political, social, and economic landscape. Beyond its historical significance, the Civil War serves as a powerful lens through which modern American civil rights and humanitarian issues can be studied and understood.
On set while filming Marbles and Bullets .
One of the most important themes in these films is the struggle for equality and freedom. Whether it is the bravery and sacrifices of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment in Glory or the political maneuvering to pass the 13th Amendment in Lincoln, these films demonstrate the centrality of these values to the American experience. They remind us that progress is possible, but it often requires individual action and a willingness to take a stand against injustice.
Another key theme of these films is the power of individual action and the role that ordinary people can play in shaping history. Whether it is the characters in Gone with the Wind (1939) who must navigate the changing landscape of the Civil War or the soldiers in Saving Private Ryan (1998) who make the ultimate sacrifice for their country, these films remind us that each of us has the potential to make a difference.
The new film, Marbles & Bullets by filmmaker Richard De Witt and New Film Group, further expands on these themes. Marbles & Bullets is a soul-searching adventure that explores the psychological complexities of the human condition and challenges audiences to rise above surface-level appearances. Although the core of Marbles & Bullets is based on the historical scars of America, Richard De Witt’s approach was not to assault audiences with right, wrong, or evil but rather reflect on how archaic our human relations were and still are to this day and age. The intention of this film is to actually poke fun at how our humanity has not evolved for the better but rather still struggles to comprehend how we are all roots from the same tree of life. Like in the iconic movies, Glory and Lincoln, the cinematic focus was not on the dark side of humanity but rather on how we can become “better angels of our nature”. They are films that illuminate the sacrifice, bravery, and intellect to change for the better rather than be consumed by the errors of our ways.
Like a shot in the dark we all come into the light of life. Like grains of sand living on a beautiful, yet fragile big, blue, marble floating in a vast universe, hopefully the movie Marbles & Bullets will help illuminate our moment in time and help us all turn darkness into light.
Marbles and Bullets - A true cinema first with the unique pairing of the protagonists, Jeremiah and Samuel .
Marbles and Bullets is a beautiful challenge to us all to take a closer look at ourselves and the darkness of life and to bring discussions and actions of humanity into focus and to nurture our growth and potential to bring life long change that will strengthen our human bond with love instead of anger, hate, and fear.
With Marbles & Bullets, I aim to continue this tradition of using film to explore and address important social and political issues. The film is a soul-searching adventure that explores the psychological complexities of the human condition and challenges audiences to rise above archaic social challenges. It forces difficult and current discussions into the light, focusing on growth and the potential for people to change their conditioning and act out of love instead of anger, hate, and fear.
I am proud to be part of a long tradition of filmmakers who have used their work to bring critical issues to light and inspire audiences to take action. Whether it is the bravery of the soldiers in Glory, the political maneuvering in Lincoln, or the soul-searching journey in Marbles and Bullets, these films remind us that the power of cinema lies not just in its ability to entertain, but also in its ability to inspire and effect change.
BTS on set filming Marbles and Bullets in Knoxville, TN.
I am grateful to be part of a rich legacy of filmmakers who have used their work to bring important social and political issues to light. Whether it is the struggle for equality and freedom, the power of individual action, or the exploration of the human condition, these films serve as powerful reminders of the critical role that cinema can play in shaping public discourse and inspiring positive change in the world.
TLDR;
Filmmaker Richard De Witt, was inspired by the legacy of filmmakers who address important humanitarian and civil rights issues in their work. The themes of the struggle for equality and freedom and the power of individual action have been explored in films like Glory and Lincoln. With Marbles & Bullets, the filmmaker aims to continue this tradition and challenge audiences to rise above archaic social stigmas and act out of love instead of anger, hate, and fear. The power of cinema lies in its ability to entertain and inspire change. Filmmakers serve a critical role in shaping public discourse and inspiring positive change.