One might question how the wickedness of one woman could be so cruel and so harsh, yet so sophisticated and precise. The story of La Porte native, Belle Gunness, notorious for murdering over forty people, mostly suitors, is about to make it to the big screen.
Producers Stephen Ruminski, Bruce Johnson and Rob Roediger are bringing history to life by sharing it with others through their short film.
Although the roles of Belle and Jennie Olsen have not been cast, the producers are currently accepting audition submissions via email. The role of Emil Greening has been filled by fellow LaPortean, Will Lott.
This thriller, with a hint of gore, will focus on the drama between Belle and her foster daughter, Jennie Olsen. Jennie was becoming suspicious of Belle’s "relatives" (as Belle called them) and suitors mysteriously vanishing into the night or leaving unannounced. Belle is then left with a difficult decision that will determine the fate of her foster daughter.
Ruminski said, “[Producing a film about something that happened in my hometown] gives me a sense of ownership to the story, something I think everyone from La Porte has. We decided to tackle the story because we do not want to pervert it in any way, or embellish any part of it.”
This short film will be shot in and around the La Porte area and as far away as Portage from April 27 to May 1. Although the setting for the exterior of the Gunness home is still undecided, the interior of the home will be in the Trager Farmhouse, located in Portage. Ruminski contacted Kathy Heckman, a volunteer at Portage Community Historical Society Archives and Genealogy, who has helped the crew gain access to the farmhouse.
Heckman has followed the Gunness story ever since she viewed The Gunness Mystery, a documentary about Gunness produced by Johnson and Ruminski a few years ago.
"Debbie Parker (another museum volunteer) and I visited the LaPorte Museum when they were having a special presentation about Belle. This added to my interest. I've done some online research and the story is very fascinating," Heckman said.
Once this short film is completed, it will be submitted to film festivals to be used as proof-of-concept that the story of Belle Gunness can be produced without falsified information. After the film is submitted, the producers plan on hosting public viewings for local audiences to enjoy.
Roediger said, “It is a very deep story and a chunk of La Porte history that I am excited to have the chance to share with others. We would love to show the community the film first; however, some film festivals prohibit a public release prior to the festivals release date.”
The expectations for this short film are set high, since The Gunness Mystery received such a high acceptance rating at the La Porte County Historical Society presentation. If this film receives a positive response, it may grow into a feature length film.
The movie-making process is underway, but it cannot be done without community outreach. One can help by donating money at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/belle-gunness-short-film. Once there, the money will be used to help meet all of the needs of the cast and crew, help pay for equipment and help with post-production expenses.
So far, they have reached $1,182 of their $4,000 goal. Anyone may donate as little as $1 or as much as $2,500. All donations are due by April 12.
The crew is also seeking someone who has experience cooking for a group of approximately 15 people and is willing to do so during the dates of filming.
There are also a handful of other ways to get involved. Visit Belle Gunness: The Movie on Facebook for continuous updates with ways to help. If interested in becoming a volunteer, send an email to thebellemovie@gmail.com with the subject line VOLUNTEER.
More than anything, people can help by spreading the word. This soon-to-be film has been in the making for about three to four years, and is finally coming to fruition.
With everything coming together, the excitement for the project is quickly rising.
“This film will be different than any others I have produced because it will be on a larger scale – we are doing it in a period piece. We are going to do the best with what we have and I hope for it to be a hit,” Ruminski said.
While waiting for Belle Gunness: The Movie, visit the Portage Community Historical Society located at Countryside Park, Portage, 5250 US Hwy 6 on Sunday, April 12 from 1-4 p.m. to view the documentary, The Gunness Mystery.
