Film premiere brings crowd to SYA
STURGIS — Sturges-Young Center for the Arts was nearly packed Friday evening.
The occasion was the premiere of “Journey of the 11th,” written and directed by Mike and Bonnie Mort. It was an evening to celebrate Sturgis’ past and honor veterans.
The film was the sixth in a “Windows to Our Past” series by Mike that explores Sturgis’ history. “Journey of the 11th" tells the story of the 11th Volunteer Infantry Regiment of Michigan. Their tale spans three years and more than 3,000 miles.
They mustered at Camp Tilden in White Pigeon. From there they traveled by train to Indianapolis and then on to Kentucky. After spending a week in Louisville, the regiment walked 38 miles to Bardstown to join supporting forces before their final surge to war. Stone River, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge were the major battles along the way.
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“The film you’re about to see is the best film I have ever made,” Mike told the audience. “And I’ve made a bunch of them. How can I be so confident and conceited to say such a thing? Here’s how: because I did not make the film. Mike Mort did not make ‘Journey of the 11th.’ Mike and Bonnie Mort made ‘Journey of the 11th.’ There’s a gigantic difference.”
What did Bonnie bring to the table? Mike said she insisted everything be true.
“Are you serious?” Mike joked.
Bonnie also wanted the story to be told from the soldiers’ own words. The pair rounded up a large pile of 1860s newspapers. She read books, letters, journals and more.
“Because of her tenacious research, we were able to craft a story told from the very words of the people who went on the trip,” Mike said.
Bonnie and Mike also traveled the journey of the regiment in the making of the film.
“It was an amazing time,” Mort said. “It gave us a real, emotional connection to the story.”
Mike thanked Bonnie.
“I think we done good,” he said.
The evening also consisted of performances by Sturgis Wind Symphony. Conductor Scott Davidson said the symphony is celebrating 25 years this year. He outlined the various pieces presented and gave their context as they pertained to the Civil War era. Songs included “Down in the River,” “Shenandoah,” “Amazing Grace” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Other features of the premiere including a presentation of the colors by Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and a presentation by keynote speaker Stoney Summey of the Veterans Affairs Office of St. Joseph County. Eric Faust, author of “Conspicuous Gallantry” and “The 11th Michigan Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War,” made the trek from California to share some words with the group. Two short films also were shown: “General Stoughton” by Mike Mort and “Veteran Services” by HYPE Brand Management.
The evening was presented by Sturgis Historical Society, who made “Journey of the 11th" possible along with the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, the City of Sturgis, and the Newell A. & Grace A. Franks Fund.
Masters of ceremonies for the event were Sturgis mayor Jeff Mullins and Doug Bates. A welcome was given by Sturgis city manager Mike Hughes and Jackie Persing, president of Sturgis Historical Society.
Contact reporter Michelle Patrick at mpatrick@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: 'Journey of the 11th' premiers at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts
