A local filmmaker’s latest work will raise awareness about the homeless in Berkeley County.  The film will follow the story of three main characters through the end of 2008 with scenes shot in Martinsburg, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and even New York City.Jeff McCoy has teamed up with Ryan Hardy and OceanGate Entertainment to create the documentary titled “Land of Liberty”.  According to the films website, the 70 to 90 minute production will not only bring awareness to the issue, but will also give homeless men and women a voice.Judy Boykin is the executive director of the Family Resources Network of the Panhandle, Inc.  She visited Panhandle Live Monday to discuss the film with host David Welch.  Boykin said that studies on homelessness showed that nearly 900,000 men women and children in the United States did not have a permanent address as of 2007, an increase of 150,000 since 2005.  She says the film will illustrate that the realm of homelessness is broader than many people realize.  She points to issues of foster care, mental health issues and those unable to pay medical bills.An art exhibit to help support the final stages of production is scheduled.  Boykin says that will allow people to see the actual faces and places of people living in camps around the area, and will hopefully help raise money for the project.Once completed, the work will be taken to film festivals around the nation.  McCoy says that simply distributing the work and making the issue known are the main goals of the project.Filming will continue through the end of the year and the editing process will take place in the early part of 2009.  Boykin says the project still needs more money before it can be finished.  Donations may be made by visiting www.familyresourcenetworkotp.org and information on the film is available at www.oceangateentertainment.com.

Categories: Local News
Tags: Arts, Boykin, Community, economy, homeless