It’s the late 1800s, the age of cowboys, open ranges, and untamed frontiers. These were men who rode hard, fought for survival, and became legends in their own right. But when the dust settled and the gunsmoke cleared, what happened next?

That’s the question at the heart of Be Still, Boone.



The cowboy has always symbolized toughness and silence. By showing Boone wrestle with the grief of losing his wife and the distance from his estranged daughter, we subvert that mold and reveal a story about vulnerability, tenderness, and the meaning of legacy.

This film asks audiences to reflect on the people in their own lives who may be hard to read, yet carry deep emotions they rarely show. In a world where vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness, Boone’s story insists that silence isn’t strength, connection is.

This film is being made by a team of independent, passionate filmmakers who believe in the power of community-driven storytelling.

At the helm is Clinton Willis, director, writer, and producer. Clinton was inspired to tell Boone’s story by his relationship with his father following a cancer diagnosis during his tour in Afghanistan, a time when he discovered the quiet tenderness hidden beneath a rugged exterior. His personal journey shapes the emotional core of this film.

We are honored to have Craig T. Nelson (Coach, Poltergeist, The Incredibles) graciously joining the project in the role of Boone. With decades of experience bringing iconic characters to life, Craig lends depth, humanity, and presence to a cowboy at life’s twilight. His involvement elevates Be Still, Boone from a student production into a story with true staying power. Supporting Clinton and Craig is a dedicated team bringing their artistry to every aspect of the film:

• Producers Phoenix Lawson and Myles Gordon guide the production behind the scenes, ensuring the vision becomes reality.

• Award-winning cinematographer Rene Rivas is set to capture the sweeping beauty and intimacy of the story through stunning visuals.

We are proud to be backed by the University of Arizona and the Tucson film community, with production taking place at the iconic Old Tucson Studios, home to classics like Tombstone and Young Guns.

What excites us most isn’t just the accolades on our team, it’s the chance to create something that redefines the Western for today’s audiences. This is more than a student short. It’s a collaboration between seasoned professionals, emerging filmmakers, and a community coming together to make something unforgettable.

We are raising $10,000 to bring Boone’s story to life. Here’s where your support goes:



• Cast & Crew –  Ensuring the talent and crew who dedicate their time and craft are supported, fed, and cared for.

• Equipment – Renting cameras, lighting, and sound gear for a cinematic look and feel.

• Production Design – Costumes, props, and sets that immerse audiences in Boone’s world.

• Locations & Logistics – Covering the costs of film production

• Post-Production – Editing, sound design, and color grading to deliver a polished film.

• Festival Submissions – So Boone’s story can travel and connect with audiences around the world.

Contribution Levels

• $15 – Exclusive Shout Outs
• Social media shout out on a templatized graphic.

• $25 – Shooting Script
• All previous + a digital download of our shooting screenplay.

• $50 – Special Thank You
• All previous + your name in the credits of the film.

• $100 – Behind-the-Scenes Pass
• All previous + access to concept art, storyboards, and select behind-the-scenes content.

• $250 – Personalized Thank You
• All previous + a personalized thank-you video from our director or a cast member.

• $500 – Collector’s Bundle
• All previous + a whittled horse memento, signed storyboard/script (by film's Director), and a poster for the film.

• $750 – Private Screener
• All previous + an exclusive early online screener link before the film premieres.

• $1,000 – Community Supporter - Believer Package
• All previous + Community Supporter credit on IMDb.

• $2,500 – Supporting Contributor - Storyteller Package (0/4 Slots)
• All previous rewards + a behind-the-scenes experience during our filming days (November 21–23 and December 9–10, 2025) or an exclusive post-production session in Tucson, where you’ll see how raw footage transforms into cinema. Includes official IMDb recognition as a Supporting Contributor, your name forever attached to the film’s legacy.

• (Please note: Travel and lodging are not provided. Email and mailing address required to receive deliverables.)

• $5,000 – Lead Contributor - Visionary Package (0/1 Slot)
• All previous rewards (excluding other title recognitions) plus two guaranteed tickets to our premiere at I Dream, a prop cowboy hat, and a season pass to Old Tucson. You’ll also receive official IMDb credit as a Lead Contributor, your name featured among the film’s key supporters.

• (Please note: Travel and lodging are not provided. Email and mailing address required to receive deliverables.)

Fiscal Sponsorship

For larger, tax-deductible donations, Be Still, Boone is fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports independent filmmakers.

To arrange a tax-deductible contribution, please contact us at [email protected]

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Smaller contributions can be made directly through our Seed & Spark Campaign, where every donation, big or small, helps us reach our goal and bring Boone’s story to life.

We’ve set a goal of $10,000 to bring Be Still, Boone to life, and we can’t do it without you. If everyone gave just $10, we’d reach our goal in no time.

And if you don’t have the resources to give right now, you can still be part of this journey. Follow our campaign and share it with your friends. Every share expands Boone’s story and helps keep independent filmmaking alive.

Thank you for believing in Be Still, Boone. For joining Boone’s journey. And for helping us prove that even the quietest stories can echo loudly across generations.