"Marieke" - A Film Biography

DRC Sponsor: Alan Lerstrom

Decorah Rotary Club members will remember Dr. Thomas C. Johnson, Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Luther College, from his presentation of the story behind his film "Ironhead" last year. He joins us again to talk about his most recent work, a profile of Marieke Penterman, a woman born and raised in The Netherlands who now makes award winning Gouda cheese at her state-of-the-art facility in Thorp, Wisconsin.  The film, "Marieke," is on the schedule for showing at the 2018 Oneota Film Festival and has been chosen as an official selection by eighteen film festivals (and counting).  Dr. Johnson produced his first documentary film while studying as an undergraduate. He became more involved in film work during his junior and senior years at Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. From there, he worked with various video production companies, as well as BBC-Wales and PBS. During his time at Luther College, Dr. Johnson has produced a series of noteworthy biographical films.