Waterville - Even after 73 years, the story of Donn Fendler still fascinates Mainers. Many of them, like filmmaker Ryan Cook, read the true story in elementary school. "In 4th grade we read the book, and then Donn came in and spoke to us. So from that point on he was my hero," Cook said.

In 1939, a then 12-year-old Fendler became separated from his family on Mount Katahdin. He spent nine days lost in the rugged terrain without food or water. The story attracted national media attention as hundreds of searchers looked for him, and at one point gave up hope of finding Fendler alive. After nine days, traveling more than 80 miles, covered with insect bites and nearly 20 pounds lighter, he was rescued.

Now Cook, who is not only a filmmaker but also a Waterville native, hopes to bring this story of survival to the big screen. "It has every element. It's a true story. It's an inspiring story. There's an audience already out there that wants the story," Cook said Wednesday.

Getting to this point wasn't easy. Fendler sold the rights to his story 25 years ago and it's taken Cook 2 1/2 years to get them back. He plans on shooting a trailer and a 10-minute promotional scene in hopes of getting investors interested. He wants to start shooting the movie next year.

Fendler is now 85 years old and lives in Newport. He thinks his story will make a great movie, if the filmmakers stick closely to the original book. "Try to stress what faith and determination can do. That was the main reason for the book and I hope for the same thing for the film," said Fendler. "Show people that with faith and determination, you can overcome anything."

Thursday, Cook is holding an open casting call looking for, among other things, someone who closely resembles what Fendler was like in 1939. "They're in trouble if they find somebody like that," Fendler said with a smile. "You'd find just a regular kid who has a lot of fun, who is active. He likes to read, he likes sports, he likes to fish, things any normal kid does."

Fendler says he won't be an active participant in the making of the movie. That, he says, would cut into his fishing time.

Returning to Mt Katahdin doesn't bother him one bit. He makes it a point to go back every year. "Talk to campers on what not to do," he says, "I climbed it again, of course they wouldn't let me go alone."

Auditions for the movie are being held Thursday night, June 28, from 5:00-8:00, at Radio Communications at 11 Water Street in Waterville.

They're casting for all roles, men, women, and kids, ages 9-60.

For more information about the movie you can go to the website:

http://www.donnfendlerfilm.com/

Print this Story