black and white bed linen

CROWDFUNDING FOR DRESDEN 1957

Help us tell this story

2025 Crowdfunding Campaign

October 28 through November 28

Goal: $60,000

Help us reach our goal of $60,000

We're at the halfway point with DRESDEN 1957. We're ready to begin post-production and we need your help! This crowdfunding campaign will allow us to kickstart the next phase and get back to work full-time.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

Because workers are still losing their lives

Our history is as rich and meaningful, as any other country's, but if we don't tell our own stories, they will disappear. DRESDEN 1957 almost did. We can change that.

If we don't tell our stories, who will?

By supporting Dresden 1957, you are contributing to greater awareness of workplace safety, especially around trenching and excavations, which continue to cost lives today.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN

Join the hundreds of people who are helping us tell this story!

YOUR GIFT HAS IMPACT

For future generations

Your support will enable us to begin post-production immediately. Typically a film like this can take 5-6 or more years to complete. We hope to finish in 4: Most of the people in this story are in their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s: We want them to be able to see it.

Finishing this film faster

We’re unlikely to ever recoup the costs of making this film. For us, and all of our supporters, the “return-on-investment” will be the film itself, and the incredible value that this story creates, both for the community today - and for generations to come.

ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR SUPPORT

We couldn't do this without you. We acknowledge all of our supporters, either by name or by initials (for those who prefer to remain anonymous). And we will continue to keep you posted on our progress.

2025 CROWDFUNDING FAQ

How much will it cost to make DRESDEN 1957?

Our projected budget for the entire film is $495,000 CAD. To date we have invested over $225,000, including $78,000 contributed by people like you in our first crowdfunding campaign.

How far along is this project?

We are about halfway. We have shot almost 40 interviews, filmed locations in beautiful Southwestern Ontario, and collected hundreds of archival materials (footage, photos, letters, and documents). We're now looking for funding so we can begin post-production (editing, 3D models, voiceovers, sound design, music, graphics etc.)

What if I have already contributed?

If you contributed to our first crowdfunding campaign, thank you! Of course, you are welome to contribute more than once, if you wish. But you can also help by sharing this link with others who might be interested in supporting DRESDEN 1957: https://dresden1957.com/

Can I get a tax receipt for my gift?

We cannot issue a tax receipt because we are not a registered charity. As a supporter, your contribution is a gift that will help us to complete this film.

Can I make a gift anonymously?

Yes. Add a note that you wish to contribute anonymously in the text box that says "This project is important to me because ..." In our public content we''ll refer to you only by your initials.

Who can contribute to DRESDEN 1957?

Anyone can support this project except for people whom we have interviewed in the film. This is a journalistic ethics requirement which we must follow in order to be able to screen this film on any public broadcaster. The same rule applies for most private broadcasters.

Does PayPal charge service fees on my contribution?

Yes, PayPal charges a 2.9% service fee for each contribution. If you are able, please add a small "tip" to your gift. That will offset the service fee and help us reach our goal a little faster.

What is a DRESDEN 1957 sponsor?

Sponsors are organizations or business who contribute $20,000 or more to this project. Sponsors will be recognized on our web site, in our social media content during production, and with an end credit in the film.

GOT A QUESTION WE DIDN'T ANSWER?

You can reach us via our Contact page with any questions or feedback. We'd love to hear from you!

What about the rest of the funding?

The rest of the funding needed to complete DRESDEN 1957 will come from a combination of sponsoring businesses and organization, film funds, licensing fees when the film is completed, and our own pockets.

HELP US TELL THIS STORY