Civil War Drama Filmed at Pennypacker Mills

Three Pennsylvania brothers under the age of 21 filmed a short psychological Civil War drama at Pennypacker Mills in Schwenksville last week.

The roughly 10-minute film, Retreat, was filmed by the Theorin brothers - 15-year-old twins Kris and Nik and their 20-year-old brother Kris. The screenplay was adapted from a short story written by Nick Theorin.

The brothers have produced other films, but took a different approach this time, securing $4,000 with the KickStarter campaign from a number of interested parties.

“We thought: ‘Why not take our film making abilities to the next level and hire professional actors and rent some professional equipment to see what we can really do?’ said Amy Theorin, mother of the filmmakers.

Working with the Screen Actors Guild, the production brought veteran cast members to Schwenksville.

Crew members from Boston to Pennsylvania volunteered for the project, and local business such as All About Catering and the Woodside Lodge also offered services.

“It’s amazing how many people are stepping up to help us out,” says Kris Theorin, one of the directors.

When the film is ready, it will be entered into film competitions.

“We hope to enter it into some of the bigger film festivals across the country this fall,” says Kurtis Theorin, co-director and film production major in his junior year at Emerson College.

The film is a dark psychological drama that centers on two Union soldiers in the Civil War.

"Joseph is a quiet man recovering from a painful and bitter end to his previous relationship," according to filmmakers. "Charlie is a happy newlywed who uses thoughts of his wife at home to get through the horrors of war. Together by chance in the same regiment, they find themselves clashing with more than just a common enemy."