Documentary Films
Stories that bear witness.
Just days after Lamplighter launched, the Turley family from Grainger County reached out with a story they felt called to preserve.
They wanted to explore whether we could create a documentary chronicling the life of Madi Turley — a young woman who survived immense health challenges as an infant and child, and who went on to defy every expectation placed upon her by becoming a competitive drag racer.
Lamplighter said yes.
And in that yes, our first documentary was born.
Why Documentary
Documentary storytelling sits at the heart of why Lamplighter exists.
Our founder is, at his core, deeply curious — about people, about resilience, about what allows someone to endure hardship and still choose joy. Documentary filmmaking becomes an act of listening first, and filming second. It’s a process of learning alongside the subject, then inviting others into that understanding.
When someone finishes a Lamplighter documentary, the hope is that they feel more connected — to the people on screen, to the world around them, and to the quiet strength within themselves. These films invite viewers to recognize the light in others, and in turn, the light they carry themselves.
Stories We’re Drawn To
We are drawn to stories of people who have faced the impossible and found a way forward.
Sometimes those stories unfold quietly — in kitchens, workshops, hospital rooms, or small towns. Other times, they ripple outward into entire communities. We are equally drawn to both.
At their core, these films explore humanity: perseverance, dignity, faith, resilience, and the courage it takes to keep going when the road is hard.
Documentary filmmaking, for us, is a form of preservation, advocacy, and witness.
Tone & Approach
Lamplighter documentaries are:
→ Grounded
→ Reverent
→ Cinematic
→ Intimate
Our responsibility as storytellers is to create the conditions where truth can surface — without pressure, performance, or spectacle. The focus is never on us. It’s on the people trusting us with their stories.
Subjects are always treated with dignity and agency. They guide what is shared. They may pass on any question. And they are given the opportunity to review and approve the final film, ensuring it honors their lived experience.
The Process
Every documentary begins with conversation.
We start with an initial meeting to listen — to understand the heart of the story, the people involved, and the purpose behind telling it. From there, Lamplighter takes time to discern whether we are the right partner to bring the story to life. Some stories take months. Others take years. Documentary work is never rushed.
The process is deeply collaborative. Subjects play an active role in shaping the narrative, often helping identify additional voices who should be part of the story. Filming unfolds organically, guided by curiosity and trust.
The goal is for the environment to feel natural — to the point that the presence of cameras fades away and people can simply be themselves.
A Long View
Documentaries require patience, resources, and care. These projects are funded by the client or commissioning partners and are built with longevity in mind.
These films are not made for a single moment — they are made to last.
They live on as cultural records, reflections of a time and place, and reminders of what human beings are capable of when faced with adversity. Long after the credits roll, the story continues to ripple outward.
Why Lamplighter
Lamplighter is different from traditional journalism.
We are not bound by a broadcast window or a runtime. A story can be fifteen minutes or two hours — whatever it needs to be to be told truthfully.
We bring cinematic craft, patience, and reverence to each project, using high-end equipment and intentional storytelling to ensure the subject—not the production—remains at the center.
Above all, we believe stories matter because people matter.
And when we take the time to truly witness one another, something sacred is preserved.
