RA Will Give $20K for Movie Project

Reston Association will give up to $20,000 to a local film production company that is making a film about Reston's first 50 years.

The RA Board of Directors voted last week at its regular monthly meeting to give the donation to Storycatcher Productions. The decision had been tabled from the board's Dec. 13 meeting.

RA president Ken Knueven said at the December meeting that the film will be a permanent legacy in telling the story of Reston, so the Reston Association should support it.

The movie, tentatively titled The Reston Story: A Film About Reston, Virginia - The First 50 Years, will tell the story from Reston's beginnings as farmland purchased by founder Robert E. Simon for $1,500 an acre.

The movie is part of the 2014 celebration of Simon's 100th birthday, Reston's 50th birthday, and Reston Town Center's 25th anniversary.

Meanwhile, Reston Commuity Center says it will give $50,000 a year, each year, for three years (FY12, FY13, FY14) to support different film chapters, says RCC executive director Leila Gordon. 

Other local funders include Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Comstock. An individual giving campaign will begin at the 2013 Founder's Day Celebration on April 13.

The director is Rebekah Wingert-Jabi, a Reston native and documentary filmmaker. Susan Jones, a former RA president, is providing research, production and writing assistance.

The Reston Historic Trust is also helping with the project,

Total cost of the film is expected to be about $300,000.

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