Experiencing Interruptions?

Kalamazoo Gals

When music journalist John Thomas discovers a mysterious archival photo, the ensuing odyssey reveals a shameful chapter in the history of the iconic Gibson guitar company. During World War II, with instrument production supposedly suspended, an extraordinary group of women toiled secretly behind the scenes, creating the “Banner Gibsons” that are cherished to this day by musicians and collectors the world over. From Nashville to Kalamazoo, this short documentary explores the hidden legacy of these craftswomen, and the trials of female artists and others in the industry who struggle not to be erased from the American Story. Featuring Tommy Emmanuel, Jennifer Nettles, Kamara Thomas and others.

  • David Massar
    Director
  • David Massar
    Writer
  • John Thomas
    Writer
  • David Massar
    Producer
  • John Thomas
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Music, History
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 40 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 15, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital - Sony 4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - David Massar

David Massar has written, directed and/or produced dozens of hours of content, both scripted and unscripted, for NBC, FOX, Showtime, PBS, Hulu, A&E, History, Discovery, Lifetime, Slice, PAX, TLC, ESPN, CBC, CTV and theatrical distribution. David is currently developing theatrical and streaming projects with partners in the US, Canada and the UK.

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Director Statement

When I first encountered John Thomas’s book, the “Kalamazoo Gals,” I was immediately captivated by its many layers: a hidden chapter in American history, an act of quiet resilience by a group of women, whose substantial contribution to the American story was nearly erased, and the haunting beauty of the guitars they created—each one a testament to their skill and spirit. What began as a historical curiosity quickly revealed itself as a powerful lens through which to explore themes of inequality and the unrelenting strength of those who have been marginalized.
Kalamazoo Gals is a story about more than guitars. It’s about the ways we choose to honor, or ignore, the contributions of people who labor quietly in the shadows, and how those choices shape our collective identity. For me, storytelling is a means of reckoning—with ourselves, with our culture, and with the forces that shape both. The women who stepped into Gibson’s factory during World War II are emblematic of a larger, ongoing struggle for recognition, one that resonates deeply today. Their story offers us a chance not only to reflect on the inequalities of the past but also to see the parallels to the challenges we face in the present.
As a filmmaker, my greatest passion lies in exploring truths that illuminate who we are -- our moments of triumph and of failure. My aim is not to cast blame but to understand. By sharing the story of these extraordinary women—whose quiet artistry created something lasting and beautiful—I hope to celebrate their legacy while also examining the cultural forces that sought to suppress it.
Kalamazoo Gals is both a riveting yarn and a vital reminder of how history is made, forgotten, and reclaimed. It is a story that matters because it challenges us to ask what—and who—we choose to remember, and why.
-David Massar