Debra Farrar-Parkman is inspired by a collection of letters from her late uncle, Reed Edwin Peggram, a gay Black man who faced the horrors of fascism during World War II. Peggram and his partner were imprisoned in Italy for two years due to their sexual orientation before being liberated by Allied forces.
Farrar-Parkman is creating a 30-minute docudrama titled “The Final Letter,” which connects Peggram’s story of love and survival with contemporary issues like racism, antisemitism, and homophobia. The film, narrated by Farrar-Parkman, will feature family interviews and historical context provided by Ethelene Whitmire, who is publishing a book about Peggram’s life.
With a budget of $50,000, more than $32,000 has already been raised. A free screening is set for this summer at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, with plans for panel discussions to foster dialogue about these critical issues. Farrar-Parkman aims for the film to resonate with modern audiences and provoke meaningful conversations on combating societal prejudices. Donations can be made at donorbox.org/the-final-letter.
