Film Project

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February 2008

“Ours to Give” Longview WA Premiere

Spectators sat quietly awed as film director Richard Luckin revealed to them some of the secrets of making a film.

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Nearly 400 people poured into the auditorium at R. A. Long High School in Longview, Washington this February to attend the Pacific Northwest premier showing of the film about Mr. Long, “Ours to Give.” The crowd was so much larger than expected that more programs listing speakers and thanking the R. A. Long Historical Society had to be printed on the spot in the school office. “If we had known there would be so much interest, we would have charged admission,” quipped Cowlitz County Historical Society President, Greg Myklebust.

Spectators sat quietly awed as film director Richard Luckin revealed to them some of the secrets of making a film. This award-winning film creator and his wife, Kathleen, had flown from Boulder, Colorado, to attend the event. He had been to Longview a year earlier, along with film writer Peter Hansen and executive producer Bonnie Hansen, to film interviews with selected citizens. Luckin noted how difficult it had been to select from all those interviewed the ones that went into the final 26 minute film.

Peter Hansen was unable to attend due to an Amtrak rail line blockage, but his wife Bonnie managed to get a last minute seat on a plane out of Kansas City, Missouri. She charmed the audience with her effervescent description of how she dreamed she was watching a film about Loula Long, Mr. Long’s daughter and awoke at 3 a.m. with the dream to make a film. She proceeded to call Luckin who was very interested, since he was looking for a new type of project.

Right after the premier showing in the R. A. Long High School auditorium. Those pictured from left to right are: David Freece, Director Cowlitz County Museum; Dennis Weber, Longview Mayor; Richard Luckin, film director; Bonnie Hansen, executive producer; Karen Dennis, Longview librarian; and Dr. Travis Cavens
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The Daily News reporter wrote of the film, “The result is a finely crafted, clearly written film in the Ken Burn’s style, but it will leave true history buffs and people in Longview and Kansas City craving more.” And though that craving for additional history couldn’t be satisfied, many people did want more of “Ours to Give.” The first order of 25 copies of the DVD quickly sold out, and for those that were unable to attend the event, a repeat public showing was scheduled at the Cowlitz County Museum by David Freece, director.

– Dr. Travis Cavens –
Longview, Washington