A documentary about an unseen rural America struggling to connect in the World.
In Wichita Falls, TX a solitary man strives to preserve a city landmark, seeking purpose in a haunting struggle between resilience and ruin.
At the edge of Texas, a massive piece of local history has become one man’s memory palace.
Rocketship is an Americana tale exploring the many contradictions that shape individual character. The film examines poverty, trauma, and history through the experiences of Rocket, a recluse living on the fringes of society in Wichita Falls, Texas. As he struggles to keep his demons in check, he also singlehandedly maintains the most recognizable landmark in his city. A historic 92,000 square foot eyesore of a grain mill.
A building whose presence looms so large that no traveler could miss it on their way through town. Its very existence is a mystery to the casual observer. What was it? What’s inside? Most importantly, why is it still here?
Rocketship immerses the audience in the visceral reality of Rocket’s world, highlighting the stark contrast between his solitary existence and the communal significance of the landmark he preserves.
The rural setting of this story is crossroads to the western United States, but it is a trap rather than a thoroughfare for those in dire circumstances. It’s difficult to escape from a place where the highways travel over you and there’s little opportunity to succeed.
Rocket
Rocket Morgan, born in Decatur, TX. Age elusive. Gun safety enthusiast. Owner and protector of 1811 Bluff St.
Ops
Rocket’s best friend. Short for Operations – AKA Black Ops.
1811 Bluff St.
A grain mill built in the early twentieth century. Abandoned in the early 1980’s. Purchased by Rocket in 2006.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKER
Director
Jonathon Quam is an Associate Professor of Documentary Film at Midwestern State University, with an MFA in Documentary Production and Theory from the University of North Texas. Before joining MSU, he taught at UNT and Stephen F. Austin State University.
Professionally, Jonathon has worked in documentary films, radio stations, newsrooms, and TV production, including a two-year stint at AMS Pictures, the largest production company in the Southwest. There, he held roles such as Director of Photography, Associate Producer, and Development Producer, contributing to established TV shows and developing new concepts.
His directorial work focuses on empathetic explorations of trauma and social issues, with projects on LGBTQ churches in Texas and child abuse survivors. Jonathon’s documentaries have been screened at film festivals worldwide, and his academic research examines the ethical boundaries of documentary filmmaking.
© 2024 – Jonathon Quam – All images and material on this site are the property of the director and filmmaking team.