Our Story

The film tells the true story of Carl Panzram who wrote his autobiography to jail guard Henry Lesser in 1928 at the Washington DC jail. Following in the style of filmmaker John Borowski's previous films, H.H. Holmes and Albert Fish, Panzram contains massive amounts of research, expert interviews and dramatic reenactments.

The intention is to highlight the many tortures and abuses that Panzram was subjected to throughout his life and in early American prisons, which transformed him into a hate filled serial killer. There are many lessons to be learned from Panzram's story.

Accomplishments made in the four years of production include: Recording John DiMaggio (Bender from Fox's Futurama) as the voice of Panzram, filming twelve expert interviews, obtaining original interview footage of DC jail guard Henry Lesser, securing the world's most extensive archival research materials of the case, location footage of Leavenworth and Clinton Prisons, location footage of Red Wing Youth Correctional Facility, several key props built by Scot Ryersson who designed the advertising campaign for Silence of the Lambs, and filming reenactments with three actors portraying Panzram from his youth to final execution -including filming at the jail in Chicago where Public Enemies with Johnny Depp was filmed.

View the film trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMtdzA8Sqbs

The Impact

In addition to being a compelling early American true crime story, the film is an example of hate creating hate and may be used as training for officers and others entering the criminal justice field.

What We Need & What You Get

Many people have contacted me from around the world to let me know they can't wait for the release of this film. The sooner this fundraiser campaign goal is met, the sooner the film will be completed. I, John Borowski, need $10,000 to complete my vision of this film. I say "I" because I really wear almost every hat in producing my films. Much has been accomplished in the last four years, but to complete my ideal vision of the film, these completion funds are absolutely necessary. These completion funds will be used for several key reenactments, hiring a composer to score the film, and hiring a sound effects editor to work on the sound and final mix. If the entire goal is not met, whatever funds are raised will be applied to one of the completion areas (reenactments, score, sound). If the funding campaign goal amount is not met, the film will be still be completed. I just do not know how many more years it will take to complete without this goal being met. For the film to be ultimately effective my vision must be utilized in the final work of art. Tell others, spread the word, send emails, add to your facebook. Without your help and contributions, Panzram may linger in limbo for some time.

Other Ways You Can Help

Please spread the word by sending the link to this fund raising campaign to your friends and others who support 100% independent filmmaking. DVD's of my films and a book on HH Holmes can be ordered from the film websites.