SUPPORT DRESDEN 1957
You kept this project moving
Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of supporters, DRESDEN 1957 reached its crowdfunding goal. That has made a huge difference. Our first campaign in 2024 raised $78,000 which allowed us to complete filming. Our second campaign raised over $60,000 and made it possible for us to begin post-production. With your help, this story will be told at last. Thank you.
Can you still contribute? Of course! Every bit helps. Click on the blue button to open our secure PayPal page.
Thank you to all of our supporters!
But the work is not finished...
We are now continuing toward completion of the documentary — including editing, archival materials, music, sound design, graphics, animation, legal reviews, festival submissions, outreach, community screenings, and educational use.
Additional contributions are still deeply appreciated. Individuals can still make contributions through our PayPal page; businesses or organizations can support DRESDEN 1957 through publically acknowledged sponsorships.
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?
HELP US TELL THIS STORY
By supporting Dresden 1957, you are contributing to greater awareness of workplace safety, especially around trenching and excavations, which continue to cost lives today.
A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS
Payments are securely processed by PayPal
From the beginning, Dresden 1957 has been made possible by people who believe this story should not be forgotten.
Support has come from wide community of friends, including Dutch-Canadians, Chatham-Kent residents, workplace safety advocates, local historians, engineers, trade union members, CRC and other church congregants, relatives, neighbours, and people who simply believe that the lives of workers deserve to be remembered with dignity.
Your contribution becomes part of that effort.
WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
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.
HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS HELP
Your support helps fund the final stages of production and outreach, including:
Picture editing
Archival research and licensing
Music and sound design
3D models and animation
Titles & graphics
Colour grading and final mastering
Legal review and insurance
Festival submissions
Community screenings and public presentations
Every contribution helps move the film closer to completion and helps ensure this story can reach the audiences it deserves.
SUPPORTING DRESDEN 1957 FAQ
How much will it cost to make DRESDEN 1957?
Our projected budget for the entire film is $480,000 CAD. To date we have invested over $250,000.
How far along is this project?
We are over halfway. We have shot almost 40 interviews, filmed locations in beautiful Southwestern Ontario, and collected hundreds of archival materials (footage, photos, letters, and documents). Additional funding will allow us complete post-production, including editing, 3D models, music, voiceovers, sound design, titles and graphics, color grading, and mastering the film.
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 $10,000 or more to this project. Sponsors are recognized on our web site, in our social media content during production, and at public events.
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.
Are payments to Dresden 1957 secure?
Yes. Payment are handled securely through PayPal. We never see (or store) your payment information.
Can I get a refund if I make a payment in error?
Yes. If you make a mistake in your payment, Contact us and we will issue a refund immediately.
Are there other payment methods besides PayPal?
Yes. Please contact us if you would like to make a payment by eTransfer or by cheque. These methods are advantageous for larger contributions, since they avoid the PayPal service fee.
Copyright Eric Philpott, 2025