The Independent
Iron Spyke Pictures has signed a promotion and distribution agreement with Washington County School District for the new documentary film, “On Dreams of Dixie.” Iron Spyke Pictures is a southern Utah-based company dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers, cinematographers, and performance artists through representation, promotion, and distribution of documentary films.
An Emceesquare Media production, “On Dreams of Dixie” reunites the talents of writer and producer Melynda Thorpe and director and musician Keith R. Owen, both of whom are known for creating films that offer a powerful viewer experience. Previously, the filmmaking duo produced “Heart of the Andes” about a remote tribe living high in the Andes Mountains, as well as a film about southern Nevada’s new Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument.
“On Dreams of Dixie” commemorates the centennial anniversary of the Washington County School District. Established in 1915, the district celebrates 100 years of public education in southern Utah this fall. The documentary offers a heartfelt look at the history of the people and events of a district established by dedicated pioneers in a once harsh and barren red desert.
It was 1861 when pioneers began arriving in southern Utah‘s red, barren desert. Amid sacrifice and loss, many had traveled across wide oceans and unforgiving plains for a place they could call their own.
Committed to education, school classes were first held in the back of covered wagons and in the area’s first church houses. In 1915, the State of Utah issued an order for the area’s scattered schools to join together as one and Washington County School District was formed with 1,833 registered students.
Through personal interviews representing nearly a century of voices and from records found in the archives of local history, “On Dreams of Dixie” provides a character-driven look at what it was like attending school in southern Utah’s early settlement communities. The film also portrays the evolution of southern Utah schools.
On Saturday, Aug. 1, the film’s world premier will take place at a private screening at Desert Hills High School, followed by a screening open to the public at 8:45 p.m. Iron Spyke Pictures will represent the film as it enters the festival circuit, and manage online and other distribution methods of delivery.
