A Filmmaker’s Journal

Healing River Poster

My Feature Film is Finally Being Released!

I’ve been updating readers for years about my first feature film as a writer-director, Over-the-Rhine. So I’m beyond thrilled to announce that it’s finally being released! And that its name has been changed to Healing River (more on that below)!

Healing River was initially expected to play in theaters this summer, and then move to streaming. But with the current lockdown, our distributor felt it was important to go to where the people are – now!  So Healing River will premiere soon on Amazon Prime, and then expand to other streaming sites, as well as VOD (video-on-demand) and DVD outlets. I’ll let you know as soon as it hits!

Why the name change? The story is set in Over-the-Rhine, a historical section of urban Cincinnati, plagued for years by poverty, crime and, germane to our story, drug addiction (our region is the epicenter of the U.S. opioid epidemic). But it’s also a community that, like our principal characters, is dramatically changing. Audience feedback, however, quickly showed that, outside this region, people were confused by the title. Many assumed it was set in Germany, and possibly during World War II. It’s not–it’s a hard-hitting emotional drama set in the contemporary U.S.

The new title comes from the song “Healing River,” which plays during the opening sequence of the film (and is quoted in the upcoming novel). The title also refers to the Ohio River, which runs beside Cincinnati, and the story’s use of water as a symbol of healing. Am I OK with the new title? More than OK: I’m the one who suggested it.

Stay tuned–the trailer will be available soon…

And you’ll be among the first to see it!

About mitchteemley

Writer, Filmmaker, Humorist, Thinker-about-stuffer
This entry was posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Movies, Storytelling, Writing and Blogging and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

133 Responses to A Filmmaker’s Journal

  1. Heartiest congratulations. I will definitely see it on prime. I do pray and wish for graaand success. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  2. K.L. Hale says:

    It will be an honor to watch it! Congratulations~I can’t wait to see it! The name is beautiful, and I’m certain the message will inspire so many!💚

  3. I’m sure you’ve also directed it really well. Great. I’m very happy for you

  4. barbara runck says:

    Mitch! I am so excited for you! Proud of you too! I am looking forward to seeing it!

    ________________________________

  5. Congrats! Well deserved. Can’t wait to watch it. Keep up the great work!

  6. Abe Austin says:

    I shall watch this 🙂

  7. Yaay! I can’t wait to see it. And I am glad about the name change. We all need a healing river right now. ❤

  8. Omatra7 says:

    Wow! Congratulations!! 🎈🎊 🍾 Thats pretty awesome!! You must be beyond excited!

  9. BriN says:

    Wow congratulations!! Is it available on any of the major streaming sites? Say Amazon Prime? Thanks!

    citygirlsdance.wordpress.com

  10. Love the name change. Yes, I was one of the errant ones who thought it was from a generation ago across the big pond. And love the “drowning” guitar and motto.

  11. Congratulations, Mitch! Rejoicing with you, and looking forward to more information. Blessings!

  12. Congratulations. I look forward to seeing it. May God bless your endeavor and use it to bring healing to those who are wounded

  13. Cheryl Schaeffner says:

    Mitch, what wonderful news!!! I will be watching for it. I think the name change is great….a river and water being a powerful metaphor for healing all through the scriptures. I can hardly wait to see it! Congratulations!

  14. revruss1220 says:

    SOOO exciting! I can’t wait to see it. Congratulations on this fantastic development. I like the new title a lot! It really speaks to the core message of the story.

  15. sniderjerry says:

    Mitch, Always fun to see someone living their dream – congratulations! Jerry

  16. I’m super excited for you and your new release! I look forward to viewing the trailer soon!! Congratulations 🎊🎉

  17. Michelle Dobrozsi says:

    Congratulations!!!

  18. Erika says:

    This is so exciting, Mitch! Congratulations!!🎉🥳

  19. Mark Johnson says:

    What a wonderful accomplishment! Congratulations, Mitch!

  20. Piano girl says:

    Congratulations! How exciting! 🎥🍿

  21. LOL, I’m one of those who assumed it took place in Germany. (*eye roll*) So glad you clarified that. And I’m THRILLED that it’s going to be on Amazon Prime, because that’s one thing this low-tech girl actually has. – Yeeha! 😀
    Congratulations on your accomplishment!

  22. Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing it.

  23. yakpro2015 says:

    I didn’t know you were asking for suggestions for a new title. Never saw that memo. However, this is a better title. Not necessarily the best but definitely better.Thanks.

    Joseph Yakovetic 4480 Powderhorn Place Drive Clermont, Florida 34711

    mobile: 909.241.6088

    SDG Soli Deo Gloria “To God Alone the Glory”

  24. Pretty awesome! Congratulations!

  25. Wm. Allen says:

    Congratulations, it is an amazing feat to bring an idea to actual distribution. The difficulties one has to overcome, such as financial, legal, technological, etc. along with often some vary complicated personalities, demonstrates steadfast determination. I only have a small idea of what all you managed to overcome to get to this point–well done.

  26. Nancy Ruegg says:

    Another excited fan here sending congratulations! You are a poster-man of fortitude and perseverance, and we celebrate with you–your dream-project has reached complete fruition!

  27. Awesome! Looking forward to seeing it! God bless!

  28. Pam Webb says:

    Your creativity output is always outstanding and inspirational! Hearty congrats!

  29. Heidi Viars says:

    Can’t wait, Mitch … The new title sounds great!

  30. While my incorrect assumption that “Rhine” meant the German river was no problem for me, I like the new title much better.  It is more descriptive and has a nice rhythm.  Could be a good line in a haiku, but I’m coming up short for the other lines.  Maybe I can do better after watching the DVD.

  31. Alien Resort says:

    That is so cool. Congratulations.

  32. Looking forward to seeing this!

  33. smzang says:

    This is the best news I’ve heard since…. a long time!
    At a time like this, people need such a movie. I’ll be
    watching for that date and will let my friends know.

  34. Rod Huron says:

    Congratulations, Mitch. All that work has come to fruition! Now sit back and enjoy the result of hard work well done. We’ll look forward to seeing the finished product. Best to you regarding the results. Rod Huron

  35. Oh my goodness!! We will absolutely be watching this!!! So happy for you!! In a parallel universe this is something I wish I could do!! I’m so going to enjoy this vicariously!! The name change is on point!! Bold move! Good choice!!

    Peach!

  36. That’s exciting! I can’t wait to see it. Congratulations Mitch!

  37. hazalse says:

    Congratulations! Finally, my amazon video account is useful! can’t wait to see it.

  38. karanoel says:

    That is so exciting, Mitch! Can’t wait to see it! I really like the new name 😊

  39. Kathleen Ellerman says:

    Exciting news! Congratulations, Mitch! Will absolutely see this.

  40. Kim Smyth says:

    Congrats, Mitch! I know you are over the moon about this!

  41. JOY journal says:

    Hooray!! Congrats!!

  42. I am so looking forward to see it and so glad that it will accessible. Will look forward to hearing the release date!

  43. Ann Coleman says:

    Congratulations, Mitch! And I love the new name!

  44. pastorpete51 says:

    Congratulations!

  45. leegschrift says:

    Good poster!
    My favorite movie is Life of Pi. Saw it last week on tv again.
    Best of luck with your movie.

  46. How exciting! Congratulations, Mitch!

  47. Dan spraul says:

    Congrats! Anxious to see it on Prime.

  48. cazehner says:

    So excited to see your movie! Will be first in line to get it on Prime. May God do amazing things as a result of your faithfulness to Him. You rock, Mitch!

  49. Sunitha RJM says:

    Sir, I am so happy. When it is released pls let us know. May God be praised.

  50. Sunitha RJM says:

    I have sent an email too

  51. Sunitha RJM says:

    Congratulations Sir. Looking forward…

  52. Heartiest congratulations Mitch! It has to be a brilliant film, judging from the thoughtful insights on your blog posts. I couldn’t be happier for you!

  53. Congratulations 👏👏👏👏

  54. MAM! says:

    Congratulations! Huge achievement.

  55. Jennie says:

    Congratulations, Mitch!

  56. Aarya Starks says:

    Congratulations 🙂for the big success.I know how difficult and productive it is to grow with making up of own film

  57. Aarya Starks says:

    Actually there was an article I recently published about Teenage and Euphoria and it seemed like someone under the name of yours liked it in the comment section I thought the article has never got any like so wanted to know if it was you.sorry if I caused any inconvenience

  58. Ellen Hawley says:

    Wishing you luck with it!

  59. Salem Andero says:

    Wow!
    Never knew you were in this field of life.
    The whole thing is captivating,
    The Movie graphic,
    The title and the whole write up you made.
    Which looked to me like a TEXT TRAILER.
    I hope to see it.
    Should be premiered on YouTube too please.
    Or a link to get it.
    😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄
    I’m anticipating.

  60. Pingback: A Filmmaker’s Journal | Mitch Teemley

  61. Bravo Mitch Teemley! Nicely done. A empowering story about finding faith, forgiveness and Love amidst suffering.

    Thank you for your work.

    Thank you for bringing your craft to the stage.

    Thank you for being brave enough to express the power of faith and God.

    Thank you for showing us how it can truly transform ourselves and our world.

    Love and light.

    • mitchteemley says:

      Thank you, T.E. I’m so glad you enjoyed the film. Hope you got a chance to leave a brief review there (we’re told it makes a big difference in how much Amazon promotes it). Thanks again!

  62. Awesome news!! I will be watching for it.

  63. Pingback: I Am a Novelist! | Mitch Teemley

  64. Lance Dean says:

    Outstanding! I will be looking for that!

  65. Thotaramani says:

    Congrats Mitch! Wishing you a grand success.💐😊

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