When you’re in the midst of an ongoing project, it’s very easy to lose perspective and question why it’s taking so long to complete. Then the world around you realigns and the answer begins to reveal itself.

As we embark on a new administration, we also enter a new era of engagement within our communities and our world. It seems daunting. There are so many challenges in front of us as a global community. So where do we begin? By sweating the small stuff, because these are the things that make the difference to families, friends and even strangers.

In my lifetime, we have never been more ready or willing to join our collective fates and be “our brother’s keeper.” When better to finish Dear Anna Olson than in this sea of change—from a time of rugged individualism and (dare I say) avarice, to a period of reflection, collaboration and participation towards positive social impact.

If ever there were a time for Dear Anna Olson’s message to resonate clearly throughout the world, it is now!

Our Television Debut!
I am happy to report that our publicity efforts have graduated from the printed page and moved onto the cathode ray tube (do they still use those?)! Early last month I appeared on WFSB Channel 3’s Better Connecticut to talk about Dear Anna Olson and present clips from the film. It was a wonderful experience thanks to host Scot Haney who invited me on the show and Producer Melissa Dethlefsen who pulled it all together. You can view the clip here:

Dear Anna Olson – The First Interview

Enjoy!

DAO on FB
After much prompting and/or coercion from my wife (and Dear Anna Olson Animation Supervisor), Nancy, I finally set up a FaceBook page! Very soon after that my brother-in-law, Tom Keegan, created a fan page for Dear Anna Olson. Thanks Tom! This new tool is an effective outlet for information and is proving to be a great way to reach out and grow the film’s fan base in a more personal way. I am also able to share more material from Dear Anna Olson including crew photos, joke sketches, animation tests and much more! It has also enabled me to re-connect with several of our volunteer artists with whom I had fallen out of touch. So, if you’re on FaceBook, please become a fan of Dear Anna Olson and tell your friends too!

Online Donation Feature Fixed
We apologize to anyone who tried to make an online donation to the film through the website only to be informed that the “Donation System is temporarily unavailable due to maintenance.” Our fiscal sponsor, IFP, has since informed me that the upgrades have been implemented and the site is ready to receive your contributions.

133 and Counting
To date 133 very generous people have chosen to make a financial gift of support to Dear Anna Olson!

Thanks and welcome to our latest new contributors: Keith Cormier, Dayna Gonzalez, Sean Hannon, Jeffrey Joe, Bonnie Kaplan, Keith Klohn, Stephen Longo, Crystal Place and Margie Simon. My deepest gratitude to the following returning supporters: Sonya Artis, Katherine Cohn, Masako Kanayama, Jack & Rosalie Keegan, Carl & Meryl Mallery, Maggie & Carl Monty, Linda Simensky and Scott & Maria Storm. During this current fundraiser, we have brought in a total of $3,715 in contributions. This latest amount will enable me to hire an additional animator and art assistant to help out on some shots.

But we are still $37,285 shy or our goal for the end of this phase of the campaign. Without these funds, an October completion date is in a tenuous state. So, if you haven’t already done so, or if you would like to make an additional gift of support to the film, please click on the following link:

Show your support TODAY!

Thank you!

Thank You for Your Friendship and Commitment
As important as Dear Anna Olson is to me (and many others), I know that so many of you show your support because you are connected to me personally as a friend, a colleague or a family member. I continue to be moved and amazed at how loyal and generous you all are, and want you to know that this film belongs to all of us. This is not just about my personal journey as an artist, but it is a representation of the wonderful community that surrounds me. Every time you send a note, give a gift or extend a word of encouragement, you are embodying the message of this work. So, it is because of you that I am motivated to complete this film and continue to find inspiration to bring it the best of my talents. Thank you again, everyone…

With Gratitude,

Dean Kalman Lennert
Director/Animator
Dear Anna Olson