#TheyKnew: a documentary about a time when women had no other option
This is a proposal: Make a doc about the Clergy Consultation Service (CSS) through the eyes of my parents, Bill and Nancy Kirby. This is a story a woman’s right to choose, the history of gender suppression and the civil disobedience it took to take care of those young women in need.
The CCS, at its peak in the late 1960s, was an “underground railroad” stitched together by Rabbis, Preists, Imam and Ministers like my Dad. In a network that spread secretly across the United States got It is more critical now than ever as Federal and State Governments constrict a woman’s right to quality health care.
My Dad was a young rebel of a campus minister and my Mom was a younger
...and then there is this amazing award that my Dad received from OUR BODIES, OUR LIVES, a reproductive rights organization, last week at the Unitarian Church in Dallas, TX from Dr. Willie Parker for work the underground network he and my Mom were a part of pro-Roe v Wade to help their students at Stephen's College in Columbia, Missouri around the time when I was born:
After the crew and I left my Dad’s award ceremony and took a look at what we had, we were inspired by his side of the story but knew we had to talk to my mom. As Dad mentions throughout that weekend of filming him, Mom has a much better memory for the details of their years together. He told a number of provocative and painful stories about the politics of the time, the history of their fight against their parent’s generation and the controversial “truths” about our family.
This is my Dad the night he went to my Mom’s SMU Theta sorority house and pinned her. I love that smile on my Mom.
The Style of this #THEYKNEW doc
Our doc will reflect the radically changed landscape of how great stories are told, especially pieces illuminating our past. Today’s audiences demand social context as evidenced by these three pieces of art. Errol Morris continued to revolutionize doc film with Netflix’ WORMWOOD + MOSAIC from Steven Soderbergh/HBO on a “choose your own adventure” style app. And the culture is making the stunning Mrs. America. There are very real stories behind this movement and they compliment the fictional depiction.
Call my cell #917-453-4762 to arrange a meeting. We have a ton of footage already and look forward to showing you a sizzle reel at your convenience. I look forward to working with the right Producer who understands how important this story will be in the world we build for our daughters and sons.
Peace and be Careful out there.
Sincerely,
Charles