Charlotte filmmaker’s project tells the story of a Civil War massacre in a new way

In a quiet corner of southeast Georgia, about 20 miles north of Savannah, cypress and Tupelo trees line Ebenezer Creek, a small tributary of the Savannah River.

Tourism sites for the region boast easy-going canoeing and kayaking trips along the serene waters today. But during the Civil War, it was the scene of a mass killing.

On Dec. 9, 1864, during General William Sherman’s March to the Sea, hundreds of recently freed people who had been enslaved, seeking protection and food, trailed Union General Jefferson C. Davis’ army to Ebenezer Creek.

The Union soldiers saw the flooded creek as an opportunity to strand the refugees on the opposite shore. As the Confederates closed in, the soldiers removed pontoon bridges and countless people drowned or were shot to death by Union troops.

Charlottean Ronald Dolphus’ film, ”Lessons From Ebenezer Creek,” which he describes as a hybrid documentary-scripted story, blends the true story with fictional characters.

“Most people have never heard about Ebenezer Creek,” said Dolphus. “And considering the loss of life that took place… that’s why I wanted to make a short film about it.”

Following the incident and public outcry, Sherman and other top military officials met with African-American ministers and other leaders to discuss what could be done to help. Special Field Order No. 15 was issued, granting 400,000 acres — divided into 40-acre plots — to thousands of newly freed people.

Though mules were not specifically mentioned, the phrase “40 acres and a mule” came out of the order. But the act was overturned by President Andrew Johnson following President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.

A fictional account of a true story

In Dolphus’ version of the historic event, a little girl who had been held in bondage escapes slavery. When she gets to Ebenezer Creek, she runs away, fearing the water. “But she befriends a little boy who convinces her to cross the water into freedom,” Dolphus said.

Filming for the 20-minute short film took place in April and May, mostly at Lake Norman State Park north of Charlotte, with roughly 20 cast members.

After an open audition call for actors through social media and casting websites, Dolphus landed on New York-based Yanna Buttons, 11, and Charlotte actor Aidan Wallace, 12, to play the two friends.

“I’ve known this story most of my life,” Dolphus said. “It’s been tugging on my heart to make this.”

Also featured in the film is local actor Michael Ruff, who played a role in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film “Lincoln.”

For his director of photography, Dolphus teamed up with local cinematographer Curt Braden. Analia Lentini, a musician from Argentina, composed the original music.

A $3,000 Cultural Vision Grant from the Arts and Science Council helped cover production costs.

“That helped with sound equipment, camera, personnel, travel,” Dolphus said. Given the many water shots, the funding also helped pay for a boat.

Theater and history unite

This isn’t Dolphus’ first foray into historical short filmmaking.

The self-described history buff, who cites Billy Wilder and Stanley Kubrick as among his favorite directors, wrote, directed and produced another historical short, ”Yankee Escapee,” in 2019.

In that film, two escaped Union prisoners of war flee across the Southern U.S. border; one is taken in and helped briefly by former slaves.

A graduate of Myers Park High School, Dolphus spent 15 years working for TIAA, helping people manage their retirement savings accounts. “When I left, I was able to devote more time to my career as a writer and director,” he said.

He also had more time to focus on his youth nonprofit, The Glorious Performance Team, or GPT Theatre, a youth theater group based at Hickory Grove Recreation Center that’s in its seventh season. He collaborates with his wife, Regina, an actress, youth drama coach and songwriter, on virtual classes, talent shows and youth film productions.

Dolphus plans to hold an open showing of “Lessons From Ebenezer Greek,” although a date has not been set, and to submit the film to film festivals next year.

“Despite what happened more than 160 years ago, there are still children and adults in bondage, in forced labor, in human trafficking,” Dolphus said. “The world has not learned its lessons about how to treat humanity.”

This story is part of an Observer underwriting project with the Thrive Campaign for the Arts, supporting arts journalism in Charlotte.

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This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 6:50 AM.