A Petition in Boots
Coxey’s Industrial Army of 1894
A film that captures the tumultuous times and drama of the first organized march on Washington.
In 1894, amid America's worst economic collapse, a defiant businessman leads a scrappy army of jobless to march on Washington, demanding action. What begins as a fight for survival ignites a near-rebellion, forcing the nation to confront its broken system.
This historic journey explores timeless issues: free speech, inequality, homelessness, police brutality, showcasing the power of protest in a charged showdown between the powerless and powerful.
This march, dubbed a "petition in boots," and “The Army of the Commonweal of Christ”, symbolized growing national frustration with Washington's indifference. Starting in Massillon, Ohio and 16 other locations across the country, the brigades faced numerous challenges before culminating in Coxey's arrest for stepping on Capitol lawn grass—a trivial offense that belied the movement's significance.
The film will explore this historic journey and its relevance to modern issues like free speech, income inequality, homelessness, fair representation, police brutality, and the power of protest. Coxey's legacy continues to influence American activism and social justice movements, transforming a march born of desperation into a lasting catalyst for change.
Director, Writer, Visionary: Seth Warren
Seth is a former professional athlete turned filmmaker. Seth honed his production skills as an on-camera talent for feature films and TV before transitioning to a celebrated career behind the lens. His debut film, Oil and Water, documented his record-breaking petroleum-free journey from Alaska to Argentina, winning over 30 film festival awards. Following his success, Seth received grants from the Montana Department of Commerce to produce an original web series, which led to his hiring for a 30-part film series on epic Montanan lives.
With over a decade of experience in commercial and branded content creation through his company Elements Mixed Media (Demo Reel), Seth is now ready to return to his roots and create his next feature film. His ethos of "Over Produce, Over Capture, Over Deliver" drives his meticulous approach to storytelling and production, ensuring a seamless and powerful narrative experience.
Executive Producer: Jerry Spencer
Jerry will oversee the entire project, from initial concept to final distribution. He will manage the financial aspects, including securing funding and distribution deals, and will be responsible for maintaining the overall vision of the film. Jerry is an experienced entrepreneur who has started, run, and sold for a profit, three businesses and been involved in startup funding and execution for over 20 years. Jerry has two utility patents, deep background and experience with computers, and an in depth understanding of the business startup and success cycle.
For this production Jerry will also be responsible for the duties of the traditional role of Producer. He will handle the day-to-day operations of the production, including scheduling, coordination between different departments (such as cinematography, sound, and re-enactment teams), and ensuring that the project remains on time and within budget.
Learn more: www.timelesstales.media
