Film production at Dayton Depot

DAYTON-Something unusual took place in Dayton on June 22-23. A film production came to town to make the short film, "Color of Threads" written by Walla Walla University alum Josie Henderson. The inspiration for the story came from the mother of one of her close friends who lost her entire immediately during the Holocaust. Something she said she learned from her experience made a lasting impression – to love and not hate. This is the foundational message in Color of Threads, though its plot is in a different time and place, the message prevails.

Henderson poses the question, "What if we lived in a world where people chose love when hatred made sense in the wake of tragedy and pain?" She added, "I would like to see such a place." Henderson is co-producer with fellow alum Matthew Webster as lead producer. They partnered with director Richard Ramsey of Nashville, Tennessee who has directed other films such as The Song, Unsung Hero, and Plus One at an Amish Wedding.

The story is of five women who pioneered to the Walla Walla Valley in 1909 to make new lives for themselves. Besides The Depot, other scenes were filmed around Columbia County, Walla Walla, and Umatilla. The production brought in 18 professional actors and film crew who worked with 15 film students from Walla Walla University who stayed two weeks past the end of term to be interns and have the experience on a professional film set.

Director of Marketing and University Relations at Walla Walla University, Aaron Nakamura said of the experience filming in Dayton, "Dayton city leaders and officials were wonderful to work with in making this production possible. They were incredibly accommodating and very hospitable. Dozens of Dayton residents and business owners also came out sporadically throughout the days during filming to see what all the buzz was about and to give a friendly hello. We're very appreciative for having very friendly neighbors that are supportive of our efforts to teach and educate our students."