FEATURED PROJECT
The Point
An Anticipated Feature Film
1857
Iowa Spirit Lakes
Overview
Synopsis
When a strong but naive teenage pioneer woman and her family’s move west pushes an unyielding Dakota Chief to the breaking point, a violent clash upends both of their worlds, compelling them to forge a new path toward an alternative future.
Visual Journey
Gallery
The Story
Female Driven Feature Film
“The Point” is a female-driven, featured film western designed for streaming and digital distribution. Comparable in script to 1883, HOSTILES, and THE ENGLISH, with a THE MISSION-like redemption arc.
Set primarily in 1857 around Spirit Lake in Northwest Iowa, the film focuses on real-life historic events culminating in the “Spirit Lake Massacre,” interwoven with the perspectives of both the pioneer settlers and the Dakota Sioux led by Inkpaduta.
The Importance
Why This Story Matters
“The Point” spotlights a seminal but largely untold chapter of American history.
At its heart is a collision of cultures and faiths—where love, betrayal, and healing thread together in a story far deeper than a standard frontier tale.Viewers discover how family bonds, sacred land, and spiritual convictions shape pivotal choices that echo across generations.
Behind The Scenes
Production
Creative Team
Anita & David Bomgaars
Relaunch Productions
Advisory Board
Fred De Jong
Pastor
Paul N. Beck
Professor/Author
John Doershuk
State Archaeologist
Background
- Anita Bomgaars
Teacher Anita’s love of history and belief that the best faith stories are based on fact led to the origination of Relaunch Productions. Being led to serve as story originator and producer on the independent 2008 film, Winning Favor, she found her passion. Anita continued her research and traveled the upper Midwest region to develop the amazing story of Abigail Gardner Sharp. Along that journey she discovered the equally riveting story of Sioux Warrior, Inkpaduta, interwove itself historically with Abbie’s. Thus The Point assumes the role of her current passion project.
Beginning the 501(c)(3) company of Relaunch Productions, Anita and husband, Dave, are equally committed to leaving a legacy of truly meaningful films for both the current and future generations. Anita will serve as both Creative Producer and Executive Producer for The Point.
- David Bomgaars
As a veterinarian and CEO of RC Family Farms, Dr. Dave will also serve as an Executive Producer for Relaunch Productions. His expertise of regional animals and geography have led him to enjoy researching The Point with wife, Anita. Now Dave is finding a new “calling” both by serving as co-originator for the legacy film company and building its partnership with multiple groups and individuals of similar interests.
- Fred De Jong
Pastor Fred is the lead pastor at First Reformed Church of Orange City, Iowa. He received his Master of Divinity Degree from Calvin Theological Seminary. Fred and wife Ingrid, both native Canadians, are well-traveled with much time spent exploring Asia. Pastor Fred has a great passion for personal narratives of redemption such as The Point story.
- Paul N. Beck
Wisconsin Lutheran Professor Emeritus, Paul Beck has authored several books dealing with the region featured in The Point. Within the books, Inkpaduta: Dakota Leader and Columns of Vengeance, Professor Beck has researched how much misinformation needed to be corrected and he strove to do that in his storylines.
- John Doershuk
As state archaeologist of Iowa and history/anthropology professor, John Doershuk has conducted much research and several archaeological digs on the area of The Point project. His insights will prove invaluable in authenticating the story.
STATUS
Relaunch is currently in pre-production with award-winning Producer/Director, Harold Cronk, 10 West Studios (God’s Not Dead I & II; God Bless the Broken Road: Average Joe).
Script and pitch deck available; seeking legacy partners.