encore has followed local filmmaker Christopher Everett’s work since he debuted his documentary “Wilmington on Fire” at the Port City’s Cucalorus in November 2015. In his first installment, Everett’s film tackles the story of the 1898 Wilmington Massacre, which has educated thousands in Wilmington and across the country about this hidden piece of history—and sparked new conversations around racial justice and equity.

Enter “Wilmington on Fire: Chapter II.”

While this production has been impacted by COVID-19, “Chapter II” will ultimately document the lives of those working towards making Wilmington what it was prior to the 1898 massacre: a community more equally represented with Black leaders and business owners.

In a statement sent out on Monday, July 27, North Carolina-based film company Speller Street Films says it launched a 30-day crowdfunding campaign to raise $30,000 to finish principal photography on the follow-up film.

encore will continue to follow this story but folks interested in supporting and/or donating to the production can visit its Seed and Spark fundraising page.