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My Great Grandfather China Sea Phil

This film chronicles the life of my great grandfather, "China sea Phil" Stoegerer. He ran away from home at age 13 during the great depression, and he never stayed in one place long. He was a military man, a researcher, a father, a vagabond, a poet, and everything in between.

  • Tommy Dilger
    Director
    Hail of Bullets, Quarantine Masterpiece, The Lawman, News On The March
  • Tommy Dilger
    Writer
    Hail of Bullets, Quarantine Masterpiece, The Lawman, News On The March
  • Tommy Dilger
    Key Cast
    "Narrator/Himself"
    Hail of Bullets, Quarantine Masterpiece, The Lawman, News On The March
  • Joyce Stoegerer
    Key Cast
    "Herself"
  • Carly Baier
    Key Cast
    "Nanny's Letter Narrator"
    Hail of Bullets
  • Phil Stoegerer Sr.
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Jack Anderson
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Historical, Historical Documentary, Family History, Student Film
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 9, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Eisenhower High School
  • Michigan Student Film Festival
    Detroit, MI
    United States
    May 26, 2021
    John Prusak Visionary Award
  • Michigan Student Film Festival
    Detroit, MI
    United States
    May 26, 2021
    Best of Show
  • Michigan Interscholastic Press Association
    East Lansing, MI
    United States
    May 19, 2021
    Division A 1st Place Documentary
  • Lake Michigan Film Festival
    East Lansing, Michigan
    United States
    February 25, 2022
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Tommy Dilger

I was born and raised in Michigan, graduating from Eisenhower High School in 2021. I am currently studying film at the Savannah College of Art & Design. I’ve been making movies since I was about 10, and that’s all I’ve wanted to do ever since. Watching behind the scenes documentaries of my favorite films is what initially inspired me to replicate what I saw on the big screen, and soon enough I was writing my own scripts and telling my own stories. Most of my films tie into my second biggest interest, history. I’ve won several awards for my work, including two gold keys and a silver key for film and animation at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, as well as two gold keys and a silver key for Photography. My hobbies include collecting historic cameras and World War Two reenacting.

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Director Statement

This is a documentary I've spent the last three months putting together. My Grandma would always tell me stories of my Grandpa's relationship with his father, and when I found a box of my Great Grandfather's things I knew there was a story that had to be told. I scanned over 300 documents and photos and poured many hours into researching his life and connections, and I am so glad I was able to bring his story to light. There's so much more to tell, but I could only fit so much into this documentary. I hope you enjoy.