LYNDA
A painter suffering in the aftermath of trauma develops a bond with the man who took her son’s life.
a film by David Delaney Mayer
edited by TJ Volgare
LYNDA is the pilot episode of an upcoming docu-series of restorative justice stories. More information and announcements about the series coming soon..
Lynda is an artist, and through a series of interviews conducted while creating paintings, a profound suffering is incrementally revealed: Lynda and her family live in Alleghany County, North Carolina where the suicide rate is higher than any other county. They survive together in the aftermath of two traumatizing losses. Brian, their eldest son was killed, and Phillip, their youngest son, died from an opioid overdose within ten years of one another.
Lynda and her husband John struggle to convert their losses into life in a variety of ways: with art, activism, and through restorative justice. Finally, the movie is a portrait of the reconciliation process underway between Lynda and James, the man who took her son’s life.
The art that Lynda makes, the survival of her family, and the bond she forges with James are the foundation for an unforgettable story about human resilience in the face of incomprehensible tragedy.
I look at Lynda, and I see a hero. She has secrets and wisdom that I think everyone should hear and look at. Whether she is doing something profound or something mundane, Lynda is in a fight for her life. She has suffered more than most. I believe you will never forget watching as she wins that fight.
A good story well told is a rare thing, and Lynda’s story will reach audiences. A story like Lynda’s can not (and should not) be ignored.
David Delaney Mayer, Director LYNDA
What is the current status of the project?
Over the past two years, we have filmed over 100 hours of media. We are scheduling the final production days in fall 2026. We have edited nearly 60 minutes of the movie with the rest planned to be edited through the end of 2026. We are raising finishing funds to complete the movie for 2027.
This film is made possible by support from our community. The following people and entities have contributed to this project. We thank them deeply for their support!
Adam Schultz
Allison Kirkland
Amanda D MacLaren
Ann Marie Rasmussen
Anne Gregory
Ari Seelinger
Berney Peng
Beth Silberman
Bradley Bethel
Brandi Dean
Caroline & Arthur Rogers
Carolyn McAllaster
Charles Wood
Cindy Eubanks
Cody Hoban
Dale Caveny
Dare Kumolu-Johnson
Donna Farrell
Faye Bordeaux
Forest Kay
Frankie Bordeaux
Hill Honeck
Jack Byers
James Haverkamp
Jenn Summe
Jennifer McGovern
Jo Rodgers
Jon Powell
Joseph Page
Josh Hawn
Josh Rosenblat
Karen Wells
Kathy Shuart
Kenneth Rose
Lauren Bordeaux
Laurie Fox
Lynden Harris
Marcia Morgenlander
Martin Witchger
Martina Eason
Mary Kay Delaney
Max Rose
Michael Brondoli
Ned Phillips
Nicole Triche
Nyra Hill
Paul Golightly
Paul Mayer
Paula Hardy-Royal
Robert & Mercedes Eichholz Foundation
Robin Magee
Sadie Maddock
Sarah Privette
Scott Lacy
Shari Jackson
Simpson Eason
Steve Schewel
Steven Unruhe
Susan Lupton
Tess Benjamin
Thomas Vickers
Tucker Gragg
Valoree Hanson
Zach Goldberg