Private Project

Worrell... Emerging From The Garden Of Thorns

All of us face demons. Bill Worrel names and buries the "thorns in his side" one by one; fear, shame, both political parties and more. All are laid to rest in the Texas dirt, making him a better man... or not. This is the heart and authenticity of his person, his art and his story. Reborn in 1979, after flash floods force him into a dark refuge, he emerges from this cave having made the discovery which will transform his life and inspire a community. Narrating with an amiable southern drawl, his humor turns life's burdens into wisdom.

  • Erik Thienes
    Director
  • Erik Thienes
    Writer
  • Rick D'Angona
    Producer
  • Bill Worrell
    Key Cast
  • Spider Johnson
    Key Cast
  • Deborah Allen
    Executive Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    55 minutes 9 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 6, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Erik Thienes

The documentary " Worrell...Emerging From The Garden Of Thorns" was written, shot and edited by Erik Thienes of Newport Beach, California. Thienes received his BA in Film and Video Production from Metropolitan State University in 1998. For over a decade, he was a field photographer/photojournalist for ABC and CBS. The bustle of travel and daily filming, lighting, interviewing, & editing helped develop his abilities as a jack of all trades documentarian. He started Floating Lantern Production House in 2007. Beyond completing this 7 year in the making documentary, there have been two other notable projects from the past year. In November of 2018, Erik Thienes was Director of Photography for Elizabeth Turk's 1,000 participant art installation "Shoreline Project" in conjunction with Laguna Art Museum in Laguna Beach, California. The other project is a film that will be played for one year at Elizabeth Turk's "Tipping Points" installation at Catalina Island Museum in Avalon, California.

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Director Statement

Striving to creatively capture the craft of artisans & inspirational characters.