#United States #Greenwood #Mississippi #Dear William #David D Magee

Filming of 'Dear William' Begins in Mississippi

On September 8, principal photography will commence in Mississippi for the film adaptation of the poignant memoir, Dear William. This adaptation is based on the best-selling book penned by David D. Magee and brings to life the harrowing and inspiring story of the Magee family as they navigate through the challenges of addiction and grief.

A Story of Hope and Healing

Directed by Andrew Hyatt, known for his work in Paul, Apostle of Christ and The Blind, Dear William aims to shed light on the struggles faced by families dealing with addiction and loss while also emphasizing themes of healing and renewal. The film is set to capture the emotional journey of the Magee family as they confront their hardships and ultimately find their way back to each other.

In a statement, Magee expressed, "Like many families, we never imagined that addiction would weave itself into our lives. This film recounts our experience of losing one another, rediscovering our connections, and realizing that healing is indeed possible. We hope our story inspires other families to believe in their own paths to recovery."

Funding and Community Engagement

The project has recently received significant support in the form of an $800,000 grant from the Mississippi Attorney General's Opioid Settlement Fund. This funding is part of a wider initiative aimed at preventing addiction in the state, emphasizing community engagement, education, and storytelling. The Dear William Project looks to provide assistance to families learning to manage addiction, recovery, and mental health concerns.

Filming will primarily take place in Greenwood, Mississippi, with notable scenes also shot on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, reflecting the deep-rooted connection this narrative has with the state. Magee remarked, "This story has always belonged to Mississippi. Students and families here have participated in it from the very start. Mississippi has a rich narrative tradition, making it the perfect backdrop for our film."

Notable Cast and Production Team

The film stars Matt Passmore (The Glades), Gabriel Nagy (Extra Geography), Emily Rose (Haven), and Hudson Macready (High Potential). Hyatt has an impressive track history of delivering impactful stories, and with Dear William, he hopes to continue that legacy.

David D. Magee, the author and producer, is a recognized figure not only for his bestselling work but for his involvement in developing resources to promote wellness and recovery. He established the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing and the William Magee Center for Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Wellness Education at the University of Mississippi, focusing on transforming lives through storytelling.

In addition to Dear William, Magee is set to release another book titled Walk With Me: A Father and Son Find Their Way Together in May 2027. His commitment to fostering dialogue around mental health and addiction recovery continues to resonate within communities across the nation.

As the crew prepares for the next five weeks of filming, excitement is building for what promises to be a powerful cinematic experience. With themes rooted in reality and community, Dear William is sure to leave a lasting impact on its audiences, potentially guiding many towards healing and understanding.