JENNINGSTON W.Va. (WVDN) – In the aftermath of an apocalyptic event, Eloise finds herself isolated in a secluded farmhouse. She has no idea if there are any other survivors. She is taken from her comfortable life and daily routine and thrown into an uncertain world. Gone is her husband, family, and job – destroyed is anything familiar and comforting, replaced by terror fueled by sadness. Time Alone serves as a stark, realistic wake-up call, prompting viewers to ponder a critical question: “Are you prepared?”
Filmed on location at the Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast in Jenningston, West Virginia, this film delves into the essence of faith and human relationships on a survival level. Visit the farm for a premier of Time Alone in Fear & Sadness on Nov. 9. There will be an outdoor viewing of the film at 6 pm, but both Nov. 9 and 10 will be filled with activities to answer the question, How Would You Survive?
Would you be like Eloise? How would you fare on your own in the wilderness? Explore your options at the B&B on Saturday, November 9th from Noon–7 p.m. and again on Sunday, November 10th starting at 10 am. On Saturday, you’ll be able to meet the cast and crew of Time Alone in Fear & Sadness. Maggie Shirk is the story creator and co-writer of the film. She also plays the lead role of Eloise. Subtle elements of faith are woven into this tale and ultimately the goal is to let the viewers decide how she happens to be where she is. Producer Collin Rafter said the story is “gritty, sentimental, and hopeful. It comes at a great time when so much focus is on self-empowerment, and “Eloise”, our main character, is a living truth of the choices we must make to continue on in our own journeys.” Director Derek Patterson will not be able to make the premiere.
As to how the location was chosen, Marsha Waybright, caretaker of the Laurel River Farm, said, “The film company was looking for a big farmhouse in a country setting. The director, Derek Patterson, found LRCBNB online and fell in love with the house. The producer, Collin Rafter, contacted me hoping we could work together to make it happen.”
Various hands-on learning activities will take place on Saturday from Noon–5 p.m. such as learning how to make salves and finding and preserving food. Farm Tours will let you explore this educational working farm and learn about sustainable farming practices. There will be special photo opportunities and a falconry presentation by the Laurel Fork Falconer. The 6 p.m. film premiere will be followed by a bonfire and s’mores at 7 p.m. A special 10 a.m. hike will take place the next day, November 10th, with Julie Gayheart, Nicholle Flood-Sawczyszyn and Keven Honeycutt. Campsites are available for $10 with proceeds benefiting North Carolina hurricane recovery. Safe & Found, an educational documentary featuring the Haywood County Search and Rescue Team, will be shown also. This movie gives insight into what it’s like to work on a Search and Rescue Team in one of the most remote areas of western North Carolina and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to learning about hiker safety from a Search and Rescue perspective, you’ll hear accounts from those who have been rescued, and from a daughter who lost her mother.
Waybright said of Time Alone, “I love it! It’s a short film that makes you think about what you would do if you were in this situation. Preparation and knowledge is key.” She said she will have a copy at the B&B for future watch parties. “It will be shown at more film festivals as well. We are looking forward to rolling out a survival curriculum that will be a follow up to the film.”
Visit the Laurel River Club B&B and experience the best West Virginia has to offer. You’ll learn about the outdoors and how to survive on your own. Once you experience this gem tucked away in the hills, you’ll want to return again and again and explore every inch of the 250-acre farm and take part in the many activities the B&B offers.
For more information about the Laurel River Club B&B and surrounding farm, upcoming classes through the West Virginia School of Traditional Skills, or to book a stay, please visit www.lrcbnb.com or call 304-402-7095. Find more info on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
