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Logline

1950s Wisconsin, fearless and unyielding teen Deb sets out to prove her father’s suicide was no accident—only to unearth a chilling Nazi conspiracy lurking in her all-American hometown. As she fights for the truth in a place that prides itself on decency, she discovers that the real enemy isn’t across the ocean—it’s been hiding in plain sight.

Synopsis

In 1950s small town Wisconsin, MARTY is beheaded when tied onto the tracks of an oncoming train, leaving his teenage daughter DEB an orphan. The local police officer, GUNTER, forces Deb to live with his family. Deb struggles with her father’s “suicide” along with extensive bullying.

During a trip to the library, Deb stumbles across an article naming her father Marty and a “Hanna Bauer” with old summer camps and a death. Deb discovers HANNA living on the edge of town with her son. Hanna, panicked, sends Deb away. Reeling in the dark, Deb stumbles across one of the old campgrounds. A dog attacks, injuring her.

When Gunter learns of Deb’s snooping, he violently whips her. He and others harass Hanna, reminding her how silence keeps her son safe.

At Hanna’s house, Deb spots 1930’s photographs of Hanna and Marty…and Gunter, too. She discovers a scrapbook, revealing one camp was a Hitler Youth Camp. Desperate to know if Marty was a Nazi, Deb begs Hanna for answers, especially as she notices an undercover FBI Agent, STAN, following her.

Hanna’s story begins in 1936, when families sent children to Camp Fredrick along the Milwaukee River. She meets BENNO and they fall in love, but the next summer, they are split apart by the creation of a Nazi Youth Camp, which Benno attends instead.

Deb finds evidence where Marty was killed. Deb approaches Stan. The FBI arrests those implicated in the camp’s crimes and Marty’s killers.

Deb moves to live with Hanna, who finally uncovers the last secret: she and Benno reconciled but immediately after, Benno fell into the river while crossing to his camp. This is witnessed by Marty, Hanna and Gunter. Gunter has a chance to save Benno but refuses, starting the cycle of secrets and death.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Tim Boissey – Director
With over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Tim has built a career as an award-winning screenwriter, producer, and director. From producing high-impact commercial content for brands like Nike, Red Bull, and the NFL to managing diverse teams across all production phases, Tim thrives on bringing creative visions to life. His expertise spans advanced budget management, talent direction, creative development, and logistical coordination, ensuring the seamless execution of every project. Notable accomplishments include recognition as a finalist in prestigious screenplay competitions and successful collaborations on major television productions, including The Biggest Loser. As a screenwriter, Tim’s work has been celebrated for its originality and depth, with multiple scripts sold, optioned, or earning accolades in competitive markets. Based in Los Angeles, Tim continues to pursue his passion for storytelling, aspiring to inspire future generations of filmmakers and create thought-provoking films that leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Sara Dahme — Scren-Writer/Producer
Sara is an award winning, bestselling author and multi-award-winning screenwriter, entrepreneur and producer. She has produced internationally recognized marketing campaigns and worked on the advertising from MasterCraft Boats to Subway to the tourism of Belize. She worked extensively in Ad/PR firms producing multi-million dollar print, radio and TV campaigns. Sara was awarded a Silver Anvil for best (501c3) event in America by the PRSSA. Though she often writes for other producers and production companies, Sara’s historical fiction Flats Junction series (Promontory Press, Inc.) has been critically recognized and is currently in development for television. Her fantasy project has been optioned for both TV and video gaming, and her nonfiction book, Copper, Iron, and Clay: A Smith’s Journey (William Morrow/Harper Collins) is the first of its kind since 1894. Though she focusses on scripts, she is always writing at least two more books. Sara is also known as the only female coppersmith in all of America who builds and restores copper cookware. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Martha Stewart, Food & Wine, House Beautiful, Veranda, on PBS, the TODAY Show and many more. She is also a TED presenter.

Sevier Crespo — Producer
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Sevier Crespo’s fascination with film began at six years old after watching Star Wars. He studied filmmaking at the South West Conservatory for the Performing Arts and trained under respected industry figures before attending UCLA to specialize in producing and line producing. Sevier has since produced content for major brands and studios worldwide, combining creative storytelling with sharp production expertise, managing multi-million dollar projects from start to finish. His company, Peanut Gallery Group, is responsible for several successful and lucrative film releases.

John Dahmen — Line Producer
A graduate of a dual-major in finance and real estate from Marquette University, John brings the weight needed to keep a business solvent and deep financial prowess. With over 12 years in the financial industry and 8 more in the investment world, John is the master of budgets, tax credits, and excel spreadsheets. He has a CFA (certification equal to a Masters Degree in Finance) and graduated certified from the New York Film Academy for line producing. John also owns four other investment companies and franchises throughout his native Wisconsin.

David Ortkiese — Cinematographer
David Ortkiese is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer known for creating vibrant, visually compelling imagery through his innovative use of lighting and dynamic camera work. With a background in visual storytelling, David has built a career capturing authentic human emotion and high-energy visuals across a wide range of content. His cinematography has been featured in projects for Fox, NBC, Spike Sports MMA, WE tv, Disney Channel, and more, where his ability to enhance story through striking, immersive visuals has made him a sought-after creative partner. Whether shooting fast-paced action, heartfelt moments, or stylized commercial content, David is committed to pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling through bold, emotionally resonant imagery.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.