PORTLAND, Maine — The story of a boy who went missing for over a week in 1939 after climbing Maine’s tallest mountain is now being shared with audiences across the country.
“Lost on a Mountain in Maine,” will premiere in 650 theaters, recounting the gripping tale of Donn Fendler, a 12-year-old who survived for nine days on Mount Katahdin and its surrounding wilderness before being discovered. This incredible survival story captured national attention in the period leading up to World War II, and Fendler’s bravery even earned him recognition from the president.
For many years, Fendler’s story has been told through the book he co-authored with Joseph B. Egan, which has been a staple in Maine school curricula, particularly in the third grade, as noted by Kimberly Nielsen, a teacher at Crooked River Elementary in Casco. “What I love most is how Donn’s perseverance shines through—he just never gives up. It’s a powerful lesson,” she remarked, expressing her fondness for the book which she has read with her own children.
During a treacherous weather event while on Mount Katahdin, Fendler became separated from his hiking group. Utilizing skills he learned as a Boy Scout, he managed to survive, trekking east towards the Penobscot River, ultimately being found over 30 miles from where he had lost his group. In dire conditions, he survived by foraging for berries, losing 15 pounds in the process, and emerged bruised and without proper clothing.
Fendler’s ordeal prompted a significant search effort, which became the talk of the nation. Countless volunteers rushed into the vicinity to aid in the search, which dominated news headlines and radio broadcasts during that time.
The film draws from Fendler and Egan’s book, but also incorporates additional interviews and archival materials, emphasizing themes of family and community support during trying times, according to the film’s director, Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger. He noted that given the current societal challenges, the film serves as a reminder of the importance of community and compassion for one another. “In a world filled with division, this story showcases the power of caring and connection,” he reflected.
The film gives audiences a vintage cinematic experience. Production took place in the forests of upstate New York, where the crew faced challenging conditions, including insects and high waters during canoe scenes. Filming also occurred on Mount Katahdin and included a meticulously crafted replica of the summit featuring authentic elements like lichen-covered stones and simulated weather effects.
The narrative unfolds from the perspectives of both the distressed family and the frightened boy, portrayed by Luke David Blumm. Notable performances include Paul Sparks as Donn’s father and Caitlin FitzGerald, a native of Maine, as his mother, who has personal ties to the story, having met Fendler in her youth.
Maine also features in the film’s production team, with producers Ryan Cook and Dick Boyce both hailing from the state and having personal connections to the book and its author. Cook had previously created a documentary on Fendler, fostering a closer connection with the subject.
The project attracted the interest of Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions due to its compelling underdog narrative. Kightlinger, who hiked Katahdin as part of his audition for the film’s direction, feels that while adventure stories are plentiful, this one has a deeper resonance stemming from the emotional struggle between Donn and his father. “At its core, it’s about a boy yearning for affection from his dad,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in storytelling amidst the surrounding complexity of modern life.
Nielsen believes that the story is not only captivating but also educational. In her classroom, she uses the book to discuss various topics, including geography, flora and fauna, as well as preparation skills for wilderness survival. Her son, now 16, put one of the book’s lessons into practice recently while hiking Mount Katahdin with friends. Faced with an incoming storm, the group made a collective choice to turn back, a decision her son credited to the valuable lesson of staying together in challenging situations. “He wanted to proceed, but he understood the need for unity on the mountain. I’m absolutely certain he learned that from the book,” she said.