Some of the story behind 'The Rainbow Tribe'

Thanks to a lovely email from Mr. Dan Frisch, writer/producer, I'm honored to share some of the story behind the movie... since this was a personal email, I do ask that it not be shared elsewhere without either his or my permission. Thank you and enjoy!

Hi J,

Thank you so much for your support, I checked out your link and just love it. I have been involved in many studio movies, it is rare when I delve into something independent, but I have been committed to this film for 17 years. It is inspired by my camp counselor back in 1973, Jim Rosenberg, who sadly lost his battle to stomach cancer at the age of 20 in 1974. David's performance is a grand tribute to his life as are all of the performances in the film.

I financed the film personally, and while it is always nice to get your money back-- I didn't get into this for the money, I did as a means of saying goodbye to someone who meant so much to me and also in the belief that this film would positively affect so many people... if only it could reach them-- and reach them is my commitment. In fairness to Jim, to DJE and everyone involved (fans alike), I must stay committed to getting this film released theatrically in the U.S. and hope that it will become something seen and enjoyed throughout the world.

Everything that you and all of the fans of the movie are doing only helps us in that effort. I always feel that "right" is more important than "right now," so please, keep being a fan and think positively for the film's release theatrically-- if we all collectively will it, then I am certain it will happen.

It is a special film that is made in tribute to Jim Rosenberg and for all of you.

One other thing I will share with you is a little back story captured in an email between myself and Jim's parents who are now in their 90's-- it wasn't until this year that I told them this film was made with their son's loving memory in mind.

Keep up the good work and support, the more vocal the better (like constituents to politicians)-- we are all in this together and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Below are the emails between myself and Jim's parents recently (and as a note, both Jim and his brother were adopted):

-----Original Message-----

From Abe and Sis Rosenberg:
Hi Dan Sorry we missed your phone call Im hard of hearing and would have trouble conversing with you however I plan to call you onthe relay if you know what that is. We are very excited about your moviefeaturing Jim it is very dificult for me to travel because I have trouble walkingso as much as we would like to be there we will have to wait for the dvd. I dontrecall the realationship between you and Jim.but I know how much Jim lovedkids he was a very compassionate person and was unusally great to anyone thatneeded help. It has been over 30 years since Jim died and His mom and mestoped thinkig abd missing him, he was an uniique person, and a good person ason we could always love. We would love to know more about you anything youcould tell us,sincerelyAbe & Sis Rosenberg

-----Original Message-----From Dan Frisch
Dear Abe and Sis,
I am sorry for taking so long in gettingback to you, it has really been a busy year to this point, finishingthe movieand other business affairs, and this was something that I did not wantto rush.In 1973 I attended Camp Thunderbird for thefirst time, I was 9 years-old and homesick. I was a quiet kid, kind ofliked being on my own, (Jim nicknamed me Orphie, like an orphan, I wasa little different from the others, probably reminded Jim of himself).Jim had the nickname Lurch, and he was the only counselor I have everremembered. There are many profound "firsts" in our lives, many of them memorable,I remember Jim as the first friend I ever had in my life.As homesick as I was leaving my folks whenI attended camp that summer, I was equally homesick, leaving Jim, mycabin mates and Camp Thunderbird. Many friendships were made that summer in ourcabin, Jim had everything to do with that. His kind and gentle way wasinfectious and impressionable.After leaving Camp Thunderbird that summer, and as I had done on so many prior occasions,

I asked my mom if I had received any mail-- she always responded with "well did you write anybody?!"However, sure enough, one day a letter reached me a few months aftercamp and it was from Jim. He spoke of going on a very long, difficult canoe tripwith his friend and counselor mate "Bajou." The letter was the kind thatcan only come from your heart, it was detailed and meaningful. Jim and Iexchanged several letters throughout the year, but as next summer'scamp drew nearer, the letters stopped. It was in the middle of the next summer,disappointed that Lurch did not return, that Bajou pulled me aside andtold me that Jim had passed away.That day has lived with me. I knew how much I meant to Jim, but I was a 9-year-old boy
and pretty much kept to myself-- I never knew if Jim knew how much he meant to me. I was alsosorry that I did not get a chance to say goodbye to him or to let him know howmuch I enjoyed his friendship.I kept his memory with me and decided oneday to say goodbye in my own way. One day, 18 yearsago, I contacted Camp Thunderbird and told them I was returningto be a counselor-- to live in Jim's shoes so-to-speak. It was ameaningful summer and I had fantastic kids.

Prior to going back to camp that summer, I was working in New York
as an accountant on a television show, I was 26 at the time (today I am 43).Immediately after camp, I was called to work on a film in the south of Texas.

The movie's financing was falling apart, and I found myself in the middle of nowhere
with more time on my hands than I knew what to do with, so I sat down put pen to paper and wrote amovie in memory of Jim. Like many writers I imagined the story andjust let my heart go with the emotion that has been with me all theseyears.18 years later and having saved up enough experience and money, I spent my entire life's fortunes
on making a film called "The Rainbow Tribe." Simply put, the film it is about the one thing Ihave always remembered about Jim-- friendship.I am proud of the film and I think Jim would have really enjoyed it as well-- I have to believe his spiritlives within it.I would love to make my way to Kansas one of these days soon to meet you, Tom, perhaps his sister and to play foryou the film... I will try and make this happen sooner rather than later.At the moment I am hoping to find someone that will take a chance on the film and invest the money it takes toput it on the big screen. I believe there is a destiny to all of this, and trust in it, I am working on that destiny every day.I hope this email brings back your own fond, memories of Jim and the positive affect he had on people that werelucky enough know him.Wishing you the best of health and happiness,Dan Frisch

----- Original Message -----
From Abe and Sis Rosenberg:Hi Dan We l0ved your letter and hope we get to see you and the moviedont waittoo long as we may not br here.Jim was one of a kind and in his brieflife he touched many people not a day goes by that we do not miss andthink of him he was so special thanks again for your letter.Abe&Sis

----- Original Message -----
From Dan Frisch

Dear Abe, Sis, Tom and if you can pass this along to your sister/daughter,I am pleased to tell you that we will be screening The Rainbow Tribe at the Kansas International Film Festival the week of September 19-25th.I would also like for you all to be my guests if it is possible for me to attend, and as of now I am planning on it. If for some reason it is easier to see it in the comfort of your home, I will bring a DVD copy with me.I hope this email finds you all doing well and I will email you more information on the screening as it becomes available.Dan Frisch


Thank you again, Dan, for sharing this with me, and all of DJE's fans. And to those fans I say, this movie needs our support and encouragement. I posted links in my previous posts to the official site of the movie, and to the board on IMBD. Also please vote for the movie on the TCM site, a link which is also posted in a previous post on my blog.