About the Film
Luke Bell was a gifted singer/songwriter, signed to Thirty Tigers, who went from a Wyoming ranch hand to bonafide country music prodigy; opening for some of the most legendary figures in country music including: Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, and Hank Williams Jr.
In 2016, he released his self-titled LP that gained international acclaim and the world seemed at his doorstep.
Soon after, he mysteriously disappeared from public life and live performances became increasingly rare. From the outside, no one seemed to know just what the hell had happened to Luke Bell.
On August 26th, 2022, he was found dead in Tucson, Arizona from a Fentanyl overdose after disappearing for 4 days.
"He was one of the most authentic and magnetizing artists to grace the country music art form in the modern era"
According to Rolling Stone, Bell "(Luke played) classic honky-tonk with a wink and a yodel that summons the sleeping ghosts of country better than any voodoo spell ever could"
Our goal is simply to tell a great story. Truthful, and honest - looking through Luke's eyes and retracing his journey to see where he had been. This film will weave a holistic narrative from the broken fragments left behind by Luke's journey, his writing and his music.
Everyone who knew and loved Luke experienced a different side of him, and we aim to bring them all together in a reverent manner.
The film will be a celebration of country music and American folklore, as well as a moment of reflection for those who face mental illness struggles.
In January 2024, over 400 people have $47,597 via Kickstarter to help make this film a reality.
As of October 2024, the film is still in production. So far the filming has taken place in and around Luke’s home state of Wyoming, Arizona, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
Plans for the release of the film are being made and will be announced when they are solidified.
About the Filmmakers
Kevin Romeo is a Director and Executive Producer at RHINO, A Story Company in Kalamazoo, MI.
Matt Bakken is a Director and DP at RHINO, A Story Company.
A call for media!
If you knew Luke or have video or photos of Luke, we would love to consider it for use in the film. Whether it’s performance footage, candid photos, or memories, it would all help. We've already received the blessing of many close family and friends, including the wonderful people at Western AF, who were great friends of Luke.
Special thank you to Laura Partain for the use of her wonderful portraits.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO everyone who backed the film!
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