Documentary Film is Working to Uncover the Ins and Outs of Civil War Reenactors In Time for the 150th Anniversary of the Conflict

Two University of Georgia alumni have embarked on the path to create a documentary about history lovers now that they are residing in Southern California. Megan Mitchell and Nick Scofield are in the first stages of filming The Reenactors, a documentary looking at those men who have found themselves infatuated with the Civil War—so much so that they act battles out on a regular basis.

The documentary will examine each reenactors' real life, diving into why they are so in tune with the happenings of America's history. The Reenactors is striving to maintain a very intimate portrayal of these men and plans to visit them in their homes as well as investigating their time on battlefields.

Throughout their journey, Mitchell and Scofield are keeping a blog—highlighting the trials and tribulations in having an idea like this come to fruition.

“First of all I am so excited to be getting this project moving,” Mitchell writes on her blog. “My partner Nick and I have been tossing this idea around since August and finally everything is falling into place. After meeting Nick’s good friend, who happens to be a reeenactor himself, I became more and more fascinated with why people enjoy being cold and hungry for days at a time. This is when it was suggested to me to read 'Confederates in the Attic' by Tony Horwitz. After I got over the hideous book cover, I dove in. It opened up a whole world for me. I loved the stories and the people he met in his adventures. I wanted to do something like this but different, put the reeanctors on camera, let them tell their story, understand why this event in history is so important to them.”

But Mitchell—though born and raised in the Civil War-filled Georgia—knew little about the war itself. Somehow her time during school had not touched on the War, and she started researching herself – reading old documents, photos and letters. Through her own personal investigation, she realized even distant family members had been involved in the fights and some fled town to avoid the conflict. These bits and pieces brought the subject home to her and developed a true understanding of why the Civil War is important and fascinating to many.

“I believe that through the stories of those who reenact, this documentary will help show why the Civil War is still important,” she writes. “I hope to understand their emotional ties and fascination to this devastating war. Ultimately, I hope to stir curiosity in someone who maybe didn’t know much about either reenacting or the Civil War and make a great character documentary.”

Scofield is also hoping to learn while making this film. Those that continue this love of a kind of time travel by reenacting have their own wants and desires that the duo want to uncover for themselves and hopefully a receptive audience.

“Let’s face it: the reenacting world has its fair share of extremes and oddities, much like any other hobby on the face of the planet. The idea of reenacting war is novel in itself,” Scofield writes. “We could just focus on the extremes, cut it together, and be done with it. However, the driving force behind not only reenacting, but the special significance of the civil war is much richer.”

Through War Dance Pictures Mitchell and Scofield are working to gain funds and exposure for The Reenactors. The 150th anniversary of this time in America's history is giving the filmmakers another hook to getting it made and seeing it live on TV channels like PBS or the History Channel.

To continue following these ambitious filmmakers' stories and the path to having their dream become an actuality, like their Facebook fan page.