Fair Field Productions plans October release for ‘Parsons’ movie

Fair Field Productions, a Fairfield non-profit organization, is in the middle of producing a feature-length film about the history of Parsons College.

The group, headed by Director Dick DeAngelis, consists of over 100 volunteers from throughout Southeast Iowa who have combined their knowledge, resources, and talents to produce the highly popular Fairfield History Series, a series of award-winning films that depicts the history of Fairfield and the surrounding area. Told in eight chapters or movies, the Fairfield History Series hopes to leave a lasting legacy for generations of Fairfielders to enjoy. Clips from the films are already being used in both public and private classrooms.

The first four films have received recognition by over 50 film festivals throughout Iowa and the U.S.:

• Life Before Fairfield

• Heroes of Fairfield

• A Place to Grow

• Ahead of Their Time

All films are available to purchase online at www.fairfieldhistoryseries.com and on DVDs at Everybody's Whole Foods.

DeAngelis began filming in 2016 with one goal: to research, direct and produce a series of interesting documentary films about Fairfield's unique history.

“Every place on Earth has its own story about what happened before today … before we got here,” DeAngelis said. “That knowledge once uncovered and shared, conveys with it a sense of place, of belonging.”

The Fair Field Productions film crew consists of camera operators, light and sound specialists, editors, and historical researchers. Fairfield Media Center Director Jason Strong serves as the Director of Photography. Other team members include Ariel Sewall, Lawrence Eyre, and Werner Elmker. Tim Britton has received multiple awards for his masterful sound editing.

The documentary "Parsons" celebrates the 98-year history of Parsons College, a key part of Fairfield life from 1875-1973. DeAngelis said the team’s research uncovered many little-known stories about the long history of the college and includes insights into Parsons development as well as its demise.

"It offers a glimpse into key times in American and Fairfield history and how they were reflected in the activities of Parsons' students" DeAngelis said.

Plans are to show the film "Parsons" at the Sondheim Theater coinciding with the final Parsons College Reunion from Oct. 6-8, 2023.

For details on how to view the Fairfield History Series documentaries online or on DVD, or on how you can support the production of "Parsons," visit www.fairfieldhistoryseries. com.