Descendant Traces Roots to Ex-Slave, Calls on Public to Help Finish Groundbreaking Documentary

Fremont, CA, May 6, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Oakland, CA – Sean Durant recently launched an Indiegogo campaign for his new film, Gina’s Journey: The Search for William Grimes, a documentary film based on the acclaimed Afterword My Long Road Back to William Grimes that appears in the new edition of the book, Life of William Grimes the Runaway Slave, written by Regina Mason, Grimes’ great, great, great granddaughter. This true story follows Mason’s odyssey to reclaim the pioneering fugitive slave narrative of her ancestor.

Sean Durant, Producer and Director of Gina's Journey explains, "Gina's Journey is a groundbreaking reenactment documentary which will have broad appeal; it will feature a high concept with a strong conflict, dramatic situations and exciting visual effects."

"Gina's Journey is an amazing film that will resonate with all who have struggled to expose truths and find meaningful connections to their own past and America's past too. The story of who we are—past and present—is not only central to our individual survival, but to our collective understanding and appreciation of each other."

Regina Mason, Executive Producer

In the film, Regina’s path is retraced as she visits historical locations and key points of interest along her 15-­‐year path of discovery. The film features reenactment scenes during the 1800s when her ancestor, William Grimes, was enslaved in the South and endured a life of hardship as a free man in the North. This footage is blended with interviews from Regina Mason, her coeditor, Dr. William Andrews, scholars, and others who were a part of her journey.

"Gina's Journey is an amazing film that will resonate with all who have struggled to expose truths and find meaningful connections to their own past and America’s past too," says Executive Producer and Author, Regina Mason. “The story of who we are—past and present—is not only central to our individual survival, but to our collective understanding and appreciation of each other.”

Now the team has turned to Indiegogo to raise the funds they need to complete this film. In exchange for pledging to the project, backers can gain access to a variety of rewards including a signed DVD for $25, a drawstring sport pack with the Gina’s Journey logo for $50, a movie poster for $100, and a two-hour genealogy training session with the author for $750. Backers can also receive tickets to the VIP screening in Oakland and even get a private performance live from Regina Mason!