The Letter League is an art-filled documentary short, by Emmy-nominated Filmmakers Michelle Boyaner and Barbara Green, that tells the story of Queer artist Heather Spooner and the adult pen pal program she created during the 2020 pandemic, and uses original songs written and performed by me, Danielle Ate the Sandwich. It’s now available to stream on Youtube!
The film is about the poignant, humorous and heartwarming stories of friendships formed during the pandemic via handwritten letters and the connection and humanity that came from it. The story is told with mixed genres: Heather and her wife Christy’s interviews were filmed in person, while the pen pals stories are told using audio-only from their Zoom interviews, accompanied by ephemeral materials and archival footage mixed with motion graphics and collage animation by Hillary Carlip.
The film explores the ways we connect and how these pen pals, many of them polar opposites, began to develop profound connections, helping each other navigate major life events and challenging personal journeys; mourning losses and celebrating victories, together. Celebrating the power of female friendship!
Featuring Heather Spooner & Christy Lundgren. Written & Directed by Michelle Boyaner, Cinematography & Editing by Barbara Green, Executive Producer Aaron Lustig. Produced by Michelle Boyaner, Barbara Green, Katie Ford, Wendy Zipes Hunter, Heather Spooner. Collage Animation/Motion Design by Hillary Carlip. Original Score Composed by Joanna Katcher. The Letter League also features Original Songs by Danielle Ate The Sandwich.