In 1939, 12-year-old Donn Fendler was lost for 9 days in the woods of Maine near Mount Katahdin. His story of survival inspired the nation and continues to inspire through his book Lost on a Mountain in Maine. Having known the story since an early age, young filmmakers Ryan Cook and Derek Desmond decided to pursue the idea of turning Donn's story into a feature film.

After several phone calls, they were able to get ahold of Donn and were welcomed for a visit to his lakeside home in Newport, Maine. Donn made it clear that twenty years earlier he had sold his life story rights to three men. These men had intended to make the film, but there had been no progress made for several years. Donn also explained that many people came to him every year looking to make a feature film of his story but had little luck. He expressed his thanks for Derek and Ryan's interest but unfortunately there was nothing he could do.

Not being ones to give up easily, Derek and Ryan began attending and filming Donn's talks and events all over the state. Since the early nineties Donn has visited classrooms all over Maine and New England to talk with kids of all ages about his story.

While continuing to attend these events, Ryan and Derek began the ritual of sitting out on Donn's porch by the lake every few weeks to talk about Donn's journey. What started as formal sit-downs with the camera quickly turned into three friends chatting and telling stories. The three had become close and thoroughly enjoyed their time together.

Meanwhile, Derek and Ryan were taking phone calls back and forth with the men who owned the rights to Donn's life story. The young filmmakers continued to pursue the opportunity to purchase the rights back, something that hadn't been done in over twenty years.

The documentary Finding Donn Fendler: Lost On A Mountain In Maine 72 Years Later follows Donn's story through the lens of these young filmmakers as they try to turn Donn's adventure into a narrative feature film. Through interviews and footage of Donn today, we discover what an amazing man Donn is and what his story has meant to the people of Maine.

Length: 61 minutes

THIS FILM HAS BEEN NOMINATED IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORY FOR THIS YEAR'S LEWISTON AUBURN FILM FESTIVAL:

People's Choice - Best Documentary

Web Address:http://www.donnfendlerfilm.com/