Let There Be Light - A Lewis Latimer Short Film

Join us in sharing Lewis Latimer's legacy with the world!

Director's Statement - Jon K. Jones

Lewis Latimer was (and unfortunately continues to be) a relative unknown, considering his involvement in the scientific boom at the turn of the twentieth century. This extraordinary individual fought as a mere teenager in the American Civil War and became a talented poet, artist and draftsman. Latimer had an extraordinarily polite manner and was a true gentleman. He worked with Alexander Graham Bell on the invention of the telephone, designed and patented several inventions of his own, and perfected the filament in Edison’s famous incandescent bulb. He was, by all indications, a genius in his time, and sadly, much of his work was either stolen or met with a refusal of credit, solely because Latimer was Black.

Why Now?

Lewis’s life, though remarkable, goes undramatized in film and television. The 2019 film “The Current War” framed the war for electrical-industrial dominance as a battle between Edison, Westinghouse and Tesla as they clamored for the fame and prestige of being masters of electrical ingenuity. Lewis Latimer improved Edison’s incandescent bulb, making it cheaper to produce and more efficient. The film, however, not only neglects to mention Lewis’ name out loud, but reduces him to two lines in the film with a single close-up. That ignited a passion within me to not only want to tell his story, but to tell it beautifully.

The Story

Knowing that Lewis was a dedicated husband and scientist, I wrote a script that intends to place his heart and mind at a crossroads between the woman he loves and the intellectual stimulation he needs. I’ve crafted a narrative that this exemplary individual deserves; one that is interesting, rife with conflict, inspiring, beautiful and representative a part of Black history that seems regretfully buried underneath the triumphs of men who had sought to exploit Lewis. While it’d be foolish to attempt to tell Lewis’ entire life story in a short film, I’m focusing on a part of his life that preceded his prolific work for Thomas Edison, where he risks it all for the love of his wife.

Beyond my respect and admiration for Lewis, I feel compelled to write and direct films that expand expectations of how historically excluded stories and characters are represented on screen. Making this, a period love story about a brilliant Black scientist, allowed me to do just that. And we need your help to finish it!

We have two funding goals you can help us reach: Editorial Funds will help us get the film in screening-ready condition! This covers editing, color correction, music, sound, DCPs (Digital Cinema Packages used to screen our film at festivals), and festival submission fees!

Once we've reached that goal, the other, is our Stretch Funding, which covers the cost of travel and accommodation to attend festivals and represent the film and Latimer's contributions on the world stage! Our selected festivals include (but are not limited to):

Because we believe SO firmly in the quality and integrity of this film, we believe our chances to screen in these festivals are quite high! So, here's a break down of how funds from the Stretch Goal will be used.

Our timeline to complete the film is very aggressive, so we need you to give as much as possible, as soon as possible. We're counting on you!

Obviously, we want to reward you for your generous contributions to our campaign, so here's what you get with your donation!

Up to $50: "The Soldiers"

Digital "Let There Be Light" Postcard

On Screen “Thank You” Credit

$50 or More: "The Poets"

All Gifts From "The Soldiers" and

Commemorative Digital Copy of Script

Digital copy of "Ebon Venus", Latimer's Original Poem About His Wife Mary

$100 or More: "The Draftsmen"

All Gifts from "The Poets" and

Social Media Shoutout

Private Link to Final Cut

$250 or More: "The Inventors"

All Gifts From "The Draftsmen" and

Personalized Signed Digital Poster from the Director & Cast

Private Link to Final Cut - With Video Foreword From Director

$500 or More: "The Engineers"

All Gifts From "The Inventors" and

Invitation to private in-person screening

"Let There Be Light" Swag Bag

$1000 or More: "The Luminaries"

All Gifts From "The Engineers" and

60 minute Zoom Q/A with writer/director, select cast & crew

Associate Producer Credit

$5000 or More: "The Pioneers"

All Gifts From "The Luminaries" and

Executive Producer Credit

Private Dinner with director and producer

Personal invitation to NYC Metro area film festival screening as a guest of the director and producer

We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the love and support!