‘Farewell My Darling’ now available online.

Dawson Segraves

‘Farewell My Darling’ now available online.

By Kate Goodman, MCP correspondent 

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LUDINGTON — Set in the Ludington area, circa 1976, “Farewell My Darling” a film by Dawson Seagraves has brought to life his beloved character Jenny, a recent high school graduate. “This was my first big feature film,” said Segraves. A project that took almost a year and a half to complete.

Graduating from Ludington High School spring of 2020, Dawson has always had an eye for writing and directing films. Influenced by his mother, Jen Segraves, a local photographer, Dawson “always grew up around cameras.” 

He said he began filming short videos of his dog around 2015. 

“In general, I always found an interest for syncing video with music. With that, it grew to what it is today. Just over the years, very slowly.” From humble beginnings to founding his own production company, Dawson created K5 Pictures in 2020 with his production team. K5 Pictures includes Torin Saxton (co-director), Matthew Rasgaitis (gaffer/photographer), Savanna Stark (foley/costume designer), Hananiah Morgan (boom guy), and Dawson (writer/director/producer).  Dawson described the company as,  “We make mainly narrative-based feature films or something as small as media related stories to tell.”

Written as a “symbolic goodbye to Ludington,” the story of “Farewell My Darling” was inspired by real emotions graduates experience of that heartfelt goodbye everyone says to their childhood as they move on to adulthood. “The main inspiration was just my own experiences,” Dawson said. “Every character having some aspect of myself.” 

As the camera sets you back to 1976, the story revolves around a young high school graduate, Jenny. Uncertain of whether she wants to stay in her hometown with new beloved friends, or leave to pursue her music dream, Jenny is faced with many obstacles as a young adult. Taken back in time, audience members can expect to see clothing, classic cars, and even hear popular music from the era.

The movie premiered on June 25 at L.F. Peterson Auditorium. Dawson said he was thrilled to see so many people show up to the big night. With the lobby full of costumes and movie memorabilia, the cast and crew worked strictly off of donations and the generous people who supported them.

“I don’t know when, but audiences can definitely expect a second showing,” Dawson said. For now, they can view the film online here. 

Like his first film, Julie: A Summer Love Story, the cast and crew will perform a Q&A, as well as view the “cinematic experience.” But, if audience members cannot wait, they may find the film online at K5pictures.com.

Looking into the future, Dawson said he hopes to be doing what he is doing now. “I just really like telling these stories and working with the people I do.” 

He said he hopes to see bigger budgets and bigger movies come from his production company.

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