Local filmmaker and writer/artist Sheri Wright is close to finishing her first feature length documentary. Wright's film "Tracking Fire" chronicles an arson case in New Orleans that is documented as the worst mass LGBT killing in history. So far, Wright has raised over $20,000 to produce the film. She's now in post production and needs to raise additional funds for the film's completion, so The Highlands Taproom has stepped up to help her out.
The local bar and restaurant is hosting a fundraiser for Wright from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday August 25. The band Lucky Pineapple will be reuniting for one night to play for the event, and they will be joined by Evan Bailey of Second Story Man. Wright will also be screening the film trailer and some clips in addition to selling some of her art, poetry books, magnets and more. There is no cover charge, but a suggested donation for entry is appreciated. All donations will go directly to the finishing funds of the non-profit film that is fiscally sponsored by Louisville Visual Arts Association (LVA.) The film will be used by schools and organizations for educational purposes.
The documentary began production in 2013 and was shot in New Orleans and Louisville. It features music by Ben Solee, The Fervor, Huh Robots, Rosella Pearl, Susi Wood, Jaida Blue, Troubadours of Divine Bliss, Trevor DeCuir, Kelcy Mae, Second Story Man, Twisted Sisters, A Girl Named Earl and Marie Geever. It also features poetry by W. Loran Smith, Katerina Stoykova-Klemer, Chad Horn, and Wright. While Wright has written, directed and produced the film, she's had help from associate producer Michele Shoemaker, cinematographer Jennifer Noll and researcher Alanna Nash.
"I feel a personal responsibility to the families of the victims and everyone who has become involved in the production," said Wright. "I took on an important mission to tell their stories, and I'll do anything necessary to see it through."
Photography supplied by Sheri Wright: archival photograph from the fire in New Orleans that killed 32 and injured others.
