In the late 1890s, after the death of her brother, Abigail and her mother are left alone in the harsh world of the wild west. Upon meeting the outlaw, Claude, Abigail learns they are in jeopardy of losing their home, unless she can quickly obtain enough money to pay off the debt. While on her way to sell some of her brother's belongings, she encounters Enola; a reclusive cowgirl and former friend of her brother’s, with a dangerous past. Abigail watches Enola kick out a drunken Claude from the local saloon and realizes a new way she can earn money to save her home; Abigail asks Enola to teach her how to be a cowgirl. Enola recognizes that Abigail is a talented artist and encourages her to continue that career path, however Abigail needs a quick way to earn money and is insistent upon becoming a cowgirl. Hesitantly, Enola agrees to teach Abigail the way of the cowgirl, only if she agrees to compensate her in drawings. While learning to become a cowgirl, Abigail and Enola's relationship blossoms into friendship. However, Claude is consistently on their tail harassing Abigail and threatening Enola. With Claude in constant pursuit, Abigail knows her days are numbered, but she has never felt more free.
DIRECTORS STATEMENT
My inspiration for this film came from a photo of a woman called "Nellie Brown," whose actual name we do not know. She was an African American cowgirl from the 1880s. Her picture was inspirational as I found her image to emanate courage, resilience, and determination, and it's these qualities that I wanted to capture in my own film. While my story is fictional, it is rooted in the spirit of "Nellie Brown" and the many other women like her who paved the way for women in the west.
My film follows two young women as they navigate the challenges and obstacles of finding their place in the Wild West. But it's not a story about their adventures - it's a story about their journeys of self-discovery and empowerment. In an era where women's roles were often predetermined, my protagonists dare to be different, forging their own paths and discovering who they are.
Through my film, I hope to capture the beauty and complexity of human relationships, as well as the struggle for individuality and self-discovery, against the stunning backdrop of Southern Utah's landscape. I want my film to be a reminder that even in the most challenging times, we have the power to shape our own destinies and create our own paths.
-McKenna Murphy
MEET THE DIRECTOR
McKenna Murphy is a filmmaker and graphic designer with a passion for storytelling and creativity. Throughout her childhood and adolescence, she acted in numerous school and community plays, but it was directing that truly ignited her creative spark. During her senior year of high-school she took her first film production class where she discovered the world of filmmaking and fell in love with being behind the lens.
Currently, a senior student at Southern Utah University studying filmmaking and graphic design, McKenna is always seeking new ways to hone her craft, and she has won awards from a few of her small film projects. In her free-time she enjoys graphic design, reading, watching movies, drawing/painting and gaming.
With a versatile skillset and a love for creativity, McKenna is ready to bring her unique perspective to the world of filmmaking. Whether crafting complex characters or pushing the boundaries of visual aesthetics, she is always seeking new ways to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.
MEET THE CAST
Dan Fowlks was born and raised in the picturesque landscapes of Southern Utah. It was in these stunning surroundings that he developed a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling. From an early age, he exhibited a passion for cinema and a burning desire to become a part of the industry. His journey into the world of film began with his attendance at various local acting workshops and community theater where he honed his acting skills and learned the intricacies of the craft. Fowlks' talent has not gone unnoticed. His finalist position in an online Cast It talent acting competition served as a testament to his acting prowess, and he has received acclaim from both peers and critics alike. His dedication and commitment to the art soon began to pay off. One of the milestones in Dan Fowlks' career was his involvement in "West and the Ruthless," a film that he was cast in 2 weeks before shooting began and the writers and Director Nick and Lexie Trivundza were searching for the role of Chester Crow to be filled. Fowlks continued to expand his creative horizons with projects like "Happily Ever Emma," a heartwarming film. Beyond these notable projects, Dan Fowlks has also delved into writing and producing a variety of shorts and features, each showcasing his unique perspective and dedication to his craft. His dedication to storytelling, along with his ability to wear multiple hats in the filmmaking process, marks him as a creative collaborator. With a promising career filled with remarkable projects behind him and undoubtedly more on the horizon.
Olivia Josephine is a talented actress with a lifelong passion for the performing arts. From a young age, she has been drawn to the world of acting, and has dedicated herself to honing her craft. Her high school years saw her take on iconic roles such as Antigone in Shakespeare's Antigone and Liz in Murder at the Ballet, laying the groundwork for a future in the entertainment industry.
Upon entering adulthood, Olivia expanded her reach by joining the local film scene in Boise. Her film credits include performances as Andy in the short film Sick Aunt Shelly and Vanessa in the feature film Street. In addition to her work on screen, Olivia is an outdoor enthusiast who loves horseback riding, skateboarding, swimming, and hiking. When she's not pursuing her creative passions, you can find her curled up with a good book, surrounded by loved ones, or enjoying some quiet time to recharge.
With a strong foundation in her craft and a drive to succeed, Olivia is excited to share her talents with new projects and audiences alike.
Ala Lindsey found her love for acting at an early age, starting with putting on skits and making home movies for and with her family. Her first production was a local play of The Wizard of Oz and has since been working on perfecting her craft. She made the move from Hawaii to Utah in 2022 to further her career in the industry. Her credits include a performance as Shaman in the feature film Peek-a-Boo and as Nadine in the short film Deer Hunt.
When she is back home in Hawaii her interests include canoe paddling and swimming. She also loves editing, drawing and you can always find her reading a book. She loves making people happy and hopes to spread that feeling and evoke emotion through her craft.
CONTRIBUTION REWARDS
Rewards are a small token of gratitude for your contribution. As a valued member of the "Sage Hen" community your support means the world to me. Thank you!
PLEASE VISIT: RavenScene Studios: Project Sage Hen FOR A FULL LIST OF REWARDS.
By making a donation to RavenScene Studios you understand that you are providing financial support to further our project, Sage Hen. In return, we offer rewards that have insubstantial value. You acknowledge that these rewards are symbolic and not substantial, and you will not receive a tax deduction or any other financial benefit from them. Your donation will be used solely for the purpose of studio, legal, accounting, festival, and production costs as they relate to the creation, completion, promotion, and distribution of Sage Hen.