Director Statement

The Thrift Store is a very special film project. It's a fictional story based on a real photograph taken by Arthur Rothstein who captured graphic images of the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma in the mid 1930's. What is initially an innocent relationship between two classmates becomes an epic love story, spanning decades. Amidst the devastation and poverty, a young boy attempts to convince his father to let him spend his hard earned pennies on a gift for a young girl in his school classroom. The transaction is facilitated by young lady with a disability, Down syndrome. Atypically, she is the enabler, not the enabled. The story takes place on two continents, and utilizes a comprehensive, and unique soundtrack, a throwback to films with strong music from decades ago. While not a traditional musical, the film utilizes several incredible songs to frame the story, utilizing both very literal and figurative compositions throughout. The Thrift Store is a contemplative, melancholic romance drama with emotion, and strong exploration of the human condition. It has a unique technical construction, one which the Director believes is unique.