Searching For August

Have you ever discovered a thread of a story that begged to be pulled? Searching for August follows budding producer and director Darian Wigfall as he embarks on a deeply personal journey to uncover his family's roots. His story unravels a unique connection between his lineage and some of the most pivotal moments in American and global history. From connections to Dred Scott being the first enslaved person to successfully sue for his freedom to the founding of the United States when Wigfalls socialized with Thomas Lynch, Jr. who signed the Declaration of Independence at their parish in South Carolina to General Sherman’s Field Order 15 granting land to Wigfall's ancestor, the beginnings of the transatlantic slave trade, the end of the Civil War in Louis Wigfall trying to end the war himself, this documentary ties one man’s search for the identities of his own ancestors to the broader canvas of significant historical events.

At the heart of the film is Wigfall’s own connection to revolutionary action and that of Nat Turner, a link that transcends centuries and geographical boundaries, connecting him to Turner's interaction with Wigfall's ancestors at the Tower Hill plantation in Virginia. The documentary offers an insightful exploration into how African American history intertwines with the very foundations of the United States. With every layer peeled back, new and surprising connections come to light, revealing hidden stories and forgotten moments in history.

For lovers of history and those captivated by the human experience, Searching for August offers a rare opportunity to witness an intimate family narrative interwoven with generational resilience and revolutionary spirit.

Key Team

Darian Wigfall: Darian Wigfall is a dynamic entrepreneur. From running Certain Media to DJing to his book series, one can see he is a storyteller all about exposing the truth, creating connection and leveling up in one’s own life.

He’s a published author, a published scientist and he’s been inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture for his roles in the Ferguson uprising. IMDb Link

Lincoln Nelson: Lincoln Nelson is a giant in the creative landscape of St. Louis, MO. Lincoln has amassed a highly impressive résumé over the years, having work with brands like Facebook and Fox Sports Midwest as well as political candidates like Elad Gross and small nonprofits like the Umoja urban farm. 

Lincoln has the skills, equipment and know how to create engaging content for promotion on social media, cable television and beyond. He brings the highest level of quality to any project he's a part of with his team, Turn 2 STL. IMDb Link 

Jelani Buchanan: Jelani Buchanan is a prolific creative working as recording artist as well as an audio/visual professional. After spending a decade as a musician in Saint Louis, MO, he transitioned from performing in a band into the role of music composer, producer and video support for the Turn 2 STL team as an extra camera and sound man.

His inspiration is drawn from musician addition to the visual and performing arts. Jelani has been involved in many projects in these fields, including archiving and recording content for musicians in the FarFetched music collective and beyond as well as shooting behind the scenes footage for music videos, live events and conducting livestream broadcasts.

Audience and Demographics

The film will appeal to a wide audience, including:

• African American viewers interested in tracing family history and cultural roots.
• Lovers of historical documentaries.
• Individuals aged 25-65 with an interest in American and African history.
• Those interested in social justice, civil rights, and generational healing.

This documentary will resonate deeply with viewers across the U.S., Europe, and African nations, particularly in regions with a strong focus on historical awareness and legacy, such as the East Coast of the U.S. and major African diaspora cities.

Unique Selling Points

• Historical significance: ties to major moments in U.S. history and the transatlantic slave trade.
• Generational healing potential: the uncovering of forgotten or erased history.
• Smithsonian-inducted protagonist: Darian Wigfall’s personal story adds credibility and visibility to the project.
• Revolutionary connections: The lineage between Wigfall and Nat Turner provides a powerful narrative arc.

Similar Films

Comparable documentaries include 13th by Ava DuVernay, Whose Streets?, and I Am Not Your Negro, which deal with historical trauma, racial justice, and African American history through a personal and compelling lens.