Filmmaker Statement - John Clarke - America’s Forgotten Patriot
Rarely do people speak of or remember peaceful, honorable men and their world changing contributions. As a direct descendant of Joseph Clarke, Dr. John Clarke’s youngest brother, I am passionately driven to share with the world the importance of John’s life, his unwavering faith in "Soul Liberty" and founding of Newport, Rhode Island where persons were welcomed to practice their faith without fear of persecution.
In 1634, 140 Years before the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence risked their livelihoods to form the United States of America, Baptist Minister and Physician Dr. John Clarke along with his young wife Elizabeth set sail from England to escape religious persecution under the King's rule. No sooner was John ashore in Boston he was disarmed, banished in the dead of winter, arrested for holding an "unlawful worship service", thrown in jail, threatened with death by the Governor of Massachusetts and sentenced to 20 lashes on the whipping post.
As a Protestant Minister, John was well aware sailing back to London in 1651 would place him directly into the Lion's Den as Rhode Island's Agent of Record. Facing insurmountable odds for something greater than himself, John’s purpose was unwaveringly clear: to secure the independence of the Colony from the King of England no matter the cost.
1651 was a tumultuous era in London, King Charles I was executed 2 years earlier with Lord Cromwell The Protector" dominating the new regime. In 1660, King Charles II came back in power and brutally hunted down the 59 signers of his father's death warrant, namely Lord Cromwell. This was known as the "Regicides". How John Clarke survived these times, including his suspected involvement with the Fifth Monarchists, is nothing short of miraculous.
Referencing John’s book “Ill Newes from New England” and scores of historical research, our inspirational film, a full-feature Historical Drama, will bring you into Dr. John Clarke’s world and his journey to overcome religious persecution, loss of personal freedoms and risk of treason to triumph in obtaining Religious Freedom and Civil Liberties for the Colony of Rhode Island, ultimately changing world history.
My goal is to entertain through the power of storytelling. My purpose is to ignite audiences around the world to unite in heart-centered unity to practice their faith without fear of persecution. Thank you for your support of me as an Independent Filmmaker and this most important little known story. As an Independent Production Company, our projects are funded through the generosity of individual donors and major sponsors. I am grateful for your moral and financial support!
~ Andrea M Clarke - Producer, Director, Writer
Andrea is driven to create stories that reach a wide audience, unite people around the world to ignite free-will and inspire soul liberty.
She segway'd her former career within the Technology, Recruiting, Marketing, Business Development and Mobile Gaming Space to follow her calling to unite people through the arts. With a gift for storytelling and big picture visionary, Andrea has an innate ability to attract and direct talented creative teams, encouraging collaborations within a supportive space.
Andrea is descendant of American Revolutionary soldiers and early settlers of Rhode Island.
Dr. John Clarke, her “uncle” was a founder of Newport and Author of the RI Royal Charter of 1663 which granted wide-reaching Religious Freedom and Civil Liberties for the Colony of Rhode Island. Andrea is developing a movie on his life - "John Clarke - America's Forgotten Patriot."
Andrea is a "warrior mom" to a savant artist with special needs. Her daughter Florentina was born on a train in Romania in 1997 and lived her first 3 1/2 years in orphanage. After arriving in the USA, Florentina had an adverse reaction to vaccines and faced horrendous abuse in school and discrimination within her community. Andrea advocates for proven holistic alternatives to the mainstream "sick-care" industry, believing everyone has the God-Given right to live a healthy, happy and abundant life.
Inspired by Florentina, Andrea is writing and producing a series of Animated Music Videos, "The Cosmic Adventures of Rena & Taye", featuring Florentina's Original MyKids Unite Characters. An illustrated book about their creative journey will release early 2025 - "Me, Myself and Florentina".
Metatron Productions, LLC has obtained Fiscal Sponsorship through From the Heart Productions, LLC. Donations to their projects may qualify for a tax deduction.
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