 Hello!
This is Brian Patrick, Producer/ Director of the movie "Burying The
Past: Legacy of The Mountain Meadows Massacre."I am writing to ask for your help. I have been trying very, very hard to get "Burying The Past: Legacy of The Mountain Meadows Massacre" broadcast on Public Television. I believe this is a story that deserves a nationwide audience. I receive numerous e-mails asking when the film is going to be on PBS from people who think this is a film that should play on a national level. The film is under consideration right now for a PBS program called "P.O.V." which stands for "Point of View." I have been told that my only chance is a grassroots movement by people writing in to P.O.V. and asking them to broadcast it. If you are moved by the film, I would be so grateful if you would be kind enough to take the time to write something on its behalf. You can e-mail P.O.V. your thoughts at their e-mail address: pov@pbs.org If you would prefer to send a letter through the mail, their address is: P.O.V./Talking Back Perhaps if we work together, we can get this story out there. Please pass this along to anyone you feel may be willing to help. Thank you so much for your support. "Burying The Past" has taken me six years to complete. I came upon the idea when I saw an article in the Salt Lake Tribune about these age-old enemies who were attempting to forgive each other. With all of these warring factions in the world today and the cycle of vengeance they perpetuate, it was inspiring to me to see an attempt at reconciliation. It was the humanity of the story which I found in the descendants of the massacre that I was drawn to, and wanted to bring out. I think that the film shows how difficult it is for opposing cultural groups to come together. I feel very strongly that this is a story that deserves to be told. Many people have never learned of this tragic event. It is an event that has been kept out of history books, that is not taught to children in schools, even though it is the biggest massacre of White Americans by other White Americans before Oklahoma City, and one of the most despicable crimes in the history of the American West. What took place at Mountain Meadows is still shrouded in controversy, and many people would prefer that the massacre remain forgotten. It was a difficult and risky film to make in Utah, balancing between the Church and the State, and the many people that had vested interests its outcome. The truth of what happened has been obscured by the Mormon Church's cover up, but events unfold in the film revealing evidence that is hard to deny. I'm very proud that the film captures some of the most powerful, documented evidence of what really happened at Mountain Meadows one hundred and forty seven years ago. This last year has been quite a journey with the film. I have traveled to many film festivals and have been fortunate to show the film to some of the descendants of the victims. On September 11, 2004 — the anniversary of the massacre — I had a chance to take the film back to the descendants in Harrison, Arkansas where the wagon train party originated from. When these people respond so emotionally to the film it makes me feel like I really accomplished something. I think for these people, the film has given them a voice that has never been heard before. In the end, the story of how these two groups came together in a spirit of reconciliation was at the core of why I made the film in the first place. I hope you find the story as fascinating as I have while making it. Thank you, Brian Patrick, Producer/Director "Burying the Past" ~WINNER OF 11 AWARDS~ Critical Praise: "Brilliantly Honest...they will come
back to this film decades from now." "Beautifully produced...weaves and
tightens into a shocking web of injustice. 5 stars!" "Genuinely remarkable...Burying
the Past is astute and brave and, contrary to the current fashion in
documentaries, fastidiously fair to all concerned. I give it an A." HONORS AND AWARDS:
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