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RECLAIMING THE LIGHT: The Life & Times of Lewis Latimer

Meet Lewis Latimer, the renaissance man responsible for bringing electric light to the world and Mary Latimer the woman who inspired him.

 Philadelphia, PA, US
  • $3,237 raised of $35,000 goal
  • 25 donations
  • -126457 minutes left
This is a Fiscally-Sponsored Project

Fiscally Sponsored by Fractured Atlas

Study Guide 3: Deep Sightings & Rescue Missions by Toni Cade Bambara

I  am so blessed to have Toni Cade Bambara (1939 - 1995) as my mentor and friend. Her voice is the voice of reason that I keep going back to in these changing times. Here is a passage that is relevant today. I hope it brings you clarity.

LANGUAGE & THE WRITER, page 139 to 140

"I want to talk about language, form, and changing the world. The question that faces billions of people at this moment, one decade shy of the twenty-first century, is: Can the planet be rescued from the psychopaths? The persistent concern of engaged artists, of cultural workers, in this country and certainly within my community, is, What role can, should, or must the film practitioner, for example, play in producing a desirable vision of the future? And the challenge that the cultural worker faces, myself for example, as a writer and as a media activist, is that the tools of my trade are colonized. The creative imagination has been colonized. The global screen has been colonized. And the audience-- readers and viewers-- is in bondage to an industry. It has the money, the will, the muscle, and the propaganda machine oiled up to keep us all locked up in a delusional system-- as to what America is".

And after dropping intense wisdom like this, Toni Cade would look me in the eye and ask:
And -- What is your plan?

My plan is to make a film that provides a Blueprint for how African Americans and our allies should move in times of great turmoil. To create a work of art that reminds us of how Black Americans envisioned a bright and joyous future for ALL of us. RECLAIMING THE LIGHT is more than a title, it is my mantra in these times as I struggle to reclaim my peace, my heritage, and my vision and break free of the bounds of cinematic and artistic convention.

Cover designed by Marjorie Anderson. Photograph by Joyce Middler. Published by Random House 1996.

Study Guide 2: ASALH: Association for the Study of African-American Life & History

Members of the Latimer producer team belong to ASALH (Association for the Study of African-American Life & History). We are community historians who share stories about Black Life, Black Perspectives, and Black History. The history of our people started before 1619, and our story will continue into the future and beyond the orbit of our planet Earth. Learning from our past will help us to survive the present and to thrive in the future. The organization is a repository of scholarly work, via quarterly magazines, and a cross generational community.

It's exciting to be a member of an organization that was established in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson! What are we building today that will be helpful to people in 2125? 

Study Guide 1: Books I'm Reading Now

As we wind up the campaign on January 31st, I want to share with you a few books that I am reading during the journey to make our film. Rae Shaw's new book THE SHORT: WRITING TOOLS TO FREE THE IMAGINATION is a powerful book with advice for every stage of the production process for writers, directors and producers. Since we as independent filmmakers are often writer/directors or writer/producers, Rae'a advice on the creative process is timely. Whether it is understanding the process of writing the 8, 9, or 10 drafts of your script, or understanding the difference between a teaser trailer and a proof of concept film, you will find this a welcome companion on your filmmaking journey.

 
THE SHORT by Rae Shaw. Cover photo by Nadine Patterson.

Inspiration for RECLAIMING THE LIGHT: The Life & Times of Lewis Latimer

In 2019 when I first got the idea to start the screenplay, the original title was BLACK POWER. I wanted to play on words to tie the liberation movement  of Black Americans of the 1960's with the scientific innovation of African Americans in the 1880's.  Below is a page from the first pitch deck from 2019.

Images and stories have power. Two icons, Nichelle Nichols (who played Lt. Uhura in STAR TREK and was a real life NASA recruiter) and Lewis Latimer, had a tremendous impact on me as a little girl and as an independent filmmaker. They were both fearless, inquisitive, and kind.

Page from 2019 Pitch Deck for Latimer Project by Nadine Patterson

The Impact of Lewis Latimer is All Around Us

I love observing how light interacts with my surroundings. I am obsessed with this. A film is made with light, shadow, joy, heartbreak and passion. And that is what the audience will sense when they watch our film about this "hidden" inventor/designer. Latimer created lights that weren't just functional, but also beautiful. Think of the impact that a "beautiful" invention can have on the world when used in an ethical way, a generous way.

Latimer made the gift of light, with joy and discovery, accessible to everyone.

Emoji Light Bulb photo by Nadine Patterson January 2025

Join Fimmaker Nadine Patterson Saturday 2pm to 4pm February 1st 2025 to watch BLACK BALLERINA


Hello Film Friends, Happy New Year 2025!
I will be joining the Association of the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) at the screening of the phenomenal documentary BLACK BALLERINA on Saturday February 1st, 2025 from 2pm to 4pm at Greene Street Friends School (GYM) 20 W. Armat Street Philadelphia, PA 19144.

Registration is FREE for this in-person screening. Please sign up on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-of-black-ballerina-by-phila-montco-branch-of-asalh-tickets-1147462694809

This is an amazing film directed and produced by Frances McElroy tells the story of several black women from different generations who fell in love with ballet. Six decades ago, while pursuing their dreams, Joan Myers Brown, Delores Browne and Raven Wilkinson confronted racism, exclusion and unequal opportunity. Today, young dancers of color continue to face formidable challenges breaking into the overwhelmingly white world of ballet. Moving back and forth in time, this lyrical, character driven film shows how far we still have to go and stimulates a fresh discussion about race, inclusion and opportunity across all sectors of American society.

I worked on the film as Outreach Producer. My job was to assist the filmmaker in connecting with audiences for the film and to reach as many people as possible via public television, and community engagement. 

Nadine Patterson Discusses RECLAIMING THE LIGHT with Mike Dennis of REELBLACK


Mike Dennis of REELBLACK asked me a few questions about our film "RECLAIMING THE LIGHT: The Life & Times of Lewis Latimer. Enjoy!
RECLAIMING THE LIGHT: The Life & Times of Lewis Latimer 

Are you into period dramas? Do you want to see folks who look like you in costume dramas? Imagine the year is 1881 and you are walking along the Rue Saint Paul in Montreal at night. You see a well dressed African American Man who has a pleasant face with spectacles, in a three piece suit, hat,  and a bright yellow tie. He extends his hand to shake yours and says “Hello I’m Lewis H. Latimer, electrical engineer”.  He gestures to the electric street lamps, and says “This is my handiwork.”

If you want to see African American Geniuses in a costume drama this is for you!

My name is Nadine Patterson, and I love writing and directing films and learning about history from an African American perspective. The films I have directed include Tango Macbeth, Moving with the Dreaming (about Aboriginal Modern Dance in Australia), Anna Russell Jones and  We Are Free Because of Harriet Tubman.

I am directing my second narrative feature film RECLAIMING THE LIGHT: The Life & Times of Lewis Latimer along with an incredible team of producers, Martha R. Conley (Lost in the Hype), Parris Z. Moore (KINYARWANDA), Marlene G. Patterson (Tango Macbeth, Moving with the Dreaming). Your support will help to bring one of the few historical period dramas made by African Americans to film festivals, theaters, classrooms and homes around the world.
Nadine Patterson in Toronto 2024.jpg 3.37 MB

Since the release of The 1619 Project in 2019 our country has faced an intense backlash against African American History being taught in schools and the banning of Black History Books. By supporting this project, you will help in getting out the truth about the self help and uplift of African Americans via education, scientific innovation, and collective political action in the 19th Century . 

Your contribution can help fill in the gaps by making a film that tells the story of Black Excellence immediately following the Emancipation Act. The burst of creativity and expansion that accompanied freedom from enslavement is best told through the story of the great inventor Lewis Latimer. Mr. Latimer worked on the design and patent application of the Telephone with Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, electric light bulb design and manufacturing with Hiram Maxim, and built the industrial light bulb industry with Thomas Alva Edison. Without Latimer’s patent in 1881 of the long lasting carbon filament, electric light would not have been commercially viable for working class homes and small businesses by the early 20th Century.

The total film budget for production is $860,000. We aim to complete the film by December 2025. $35,000 is what we need now to complete the Research and Development Phase. 

This Fractured Atlas Campaign will cover:

  • Actors: for script readings and screen tests
  • Creation of a Look Book/Production Bible for the film
  • Research costs: access to Historic Archives in Philadelphia, New York, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, and New Jersey.
  • Location Scouting: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New Jersey
  • Scientific historians, Educators in electrical Engineering, and Historians of African American history in 19th and early 20th Century America. 
  • Technical Development: testing of camera and audio packages to create a unique look and feel for the film.
  • Project Trailer and Proof of Concept (historical drama short) with sample locations
  • Screenwriters third draft of the script

Your Contribution can make a difference by amplifying the truth about our American history. African Americans were integral to the building of America, and period dramas such as this face an uphill battle in gaining Industry financing. But individuals like you understand the importance of having a shared history of the American experience from an African American perspective. Diversity of viewpoint, voice and vision is key to educating our communities that we have more in common. We have a shared brilliance and hunger to learn and to share.

Mr. Latimer believed in helping others, and giving everyone, regardless of financial status, ethnicity or gender access to a brighter future.

If we don’t reach our goal, partial funding will help us complete research on our 90 page script.

There are other ways to help us. 

  1. You can share the link to your circle of friends and family who want to make a difference in funding a Black Historic Costume Drama based on real life people- Lewis and his wife Mary Latimer, Thomas Alva Edison, and George Westinghouse. 
  2. You can also start an online conversation on threads.net (tag us @hipcinema) about how we need more stories about Black Scientists, Engineers, and Innovators. We need to amplify historical dramas that show Black Americans living, loving and creating on their own terms. 
  3. You can share links to our previous films and help us build up our streaming numbers.

Rewards

Latimer Fan Club

Donate $10.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Quarterly updates on the film's progress.
Former Westinghouse Company Canada.jpg 3.33 MB

Latimer Pen Pals

Donate $25.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

  • Shout out on Instagram for contributing to our film.
  • Quarterly updates on the film's progress.

Latimer Sight Seer

Donate $50.00 or more

Amount over $5.00 is tax-deductible.

  • Shout out on Instagram for contributing to our film.
  • Quarterly updates on the film's progress.
  • Listing on project website.
  • Digital Thank You Note with Digital Photo from our Location Scouting in Montreal in 2021

Latimer Design Team

Donate $75.00 or more

Amount over $15.00 is tax-deductible.

  • Shout out on Instagram for contributing to our film.
  • Quarterly updates on the film's progress.
  • Listing on project website.
  • Digital Version of pages from the Reclaiming the Light Look Book

Latimer Circle

Donate $100.00 or more

Amount over $30.00 is tax-deductible.

  • Shout out on Instagram for contributing to our film.
  • Quarterly updates on the film's progress.
  • Listing on project website.
  • Invite to on-line Reading of the Screenplay

Latimer Study Group

Donate $250.00 or more

Amount over $65.00 is tax-deductible.

  • Shout out on Instagram for contributing to our film.
  • Quarterly updates on the film's progress.
  • Listing on project website.
  • Invite to on-line Reading of the Screenplay
  • Digital Version of pages from the Reclaiming the Light Look Book

Latimer Pioneers

Donate $1,000.00 or more

Amount over $250.00 is tax-deductible.

  • Invite to a special in person event with film producers.
  • Shout out on Instagram for contributing to our film.
  • Quarterly updates on the film's progress.
  • Listing on project website.
  • Invite to on-line Reading of the Screenplay



Latimer History Makers

Donate $2,500.00 or more

Amount over $500.00 is tax-deductible.

  • Invite to a dinner with the filmmakers and a special guest.
  • Shout out on Instagram for contributing to our film.
  • Quarterly updates on the film's progress.
  • Listing on project website.
  • Invite to on-line Reading of the Screenplay

Latimer Electric Partners

Donate $5,000.00 or more

Amount over $1,750.00 is tax-deductible.

  • Invite to a dinner with the filmmakers and a special guest.
  • Original Artwork or Giclee Print by a Philadelphia Artist
  • Shout out on Instagram for contributing to our film.
  • Quarterly updates on the film's progress.
  • Listing on project website.
  • Invite to on-line Reading of the Screenplay