Davenport native, Brendon O'Connor is currently seeking donations for her upcoming graduate student thesis film. O'Connor, in her final year of graduate film school at Chapman University is production designing "The Devout", a new short thriller film set during the Black Death that follows one woman who must risk everything to ensure the safety of the ones she loves. The film, which shoots in January, in Los Angeles is funded by the students.  The filmmakers are hoping to reach out to local support back in Iowa for donations, which will fund camera and lighting rentals, and construction cost of the medieval village. O'Connor, graduated from Davenport Central high school in 2004 and is receiving an MFA in Production Design this spring. Please visit www.thedevoutfilm.com to learn more about the production and how you can help. We are also accepting donations at http://www.indiegogo.com/TheDevoutfilm

SYNOPSIS

A story filled with secrets, isolation, agony, and love, The Devout takes us on a journey into the dark world of the Black Death. Set in the early 1400's, The Devout follows the people of medieval Exmoor, England as they witness the systematic killing of the village's sick by a demonic, cloaked rook creature. Two conflicting avenues emerge to lead the villagers to salvation, each guided by a brother and sister, Luke and Emery. One avenue is led by Emery, an intelligent woman who serves as the village doctor and mentor to Ana, Luke's daughter. The other avenue falls under the watchful eyes of the town preacher, Brother Luke, who attributes the recent deaths as a punishment from God and directs the people of Exmoor on a journey to find salvation by openly repenting their sins. As Emery and Ana wield the proven practices of science, Emery faces the ultimate test when she must go against her brother and his beliefs to ensure the safety of Exmoor at whatever cost.