Hrtgen Movie production postponed due to COVID-19

BLAIR COUNTY, PA (WJAC) - COVID-19 is pressing pause on production for two Altoona brothers who are creating a short movie about their grandfather's experience in the Battle of Hürtgen Forest. While the pandemic has delayed filming, Mark and Jared Frederick say it cannot stop the sentimental motive behind their creation.

The film is a tribute to the Fredericks' Altoona-native grandfather, Thomas Nycum. Nycum served in every major campaign in Western Europe, including D-Day, Hürtgen Forest, Battle of the Bulge, and came home unwounded.

"This short film is not about me. It's not about my brother," Hürtgen Movie Director and Writer Mark Frederick says. "It's about the men who fought in the battle of the Hürtgen Forest, who for the large part have not had stories or movies made about them."

Mark and his brother, Jared, know their grandfather was lucky to make it off the battlefield alive, when so many others didn't. They are now creating this movie to honor Nycum's memory and connect with him in a unique way. Mark never had the chance to meet him and Jared wishes he could have shared his passion for history with Nycum.

"One of the great regrets that I have is that I never had the opportunity to talk to my grandfather more about his experiences," says Jared Frederick, the movie's executive producer. "He passed away when I was five."

The production details the often overlooked battle, one that's often not spoken of. It's for that reason the brothers are bringing its stories to light and they believe the sincerity of their drive sets their movie apart.

"Our movie, unlike many movies, is not out to make money," Jared continues. "This is an entirely not-for-profit venture. And we really hope that that underscores to viewers the importance that the story of this film has to us."

The two have invested a lot of time diving into tales of their grandfather, pouring into history books and getting firsthand knowledge while traveling to the battlegrounds. "I'm walking this thinking of my grandfather, who made it home but hundreds of thousands of men perished there in those pine trees," Mark explains.

"A lot of them, including those from western and central Pennsylvania, never came out alive," Jared adds.

The momentum of the film has only been halted by COVID-19, as the pandemic hit as the production was beginning to fundraise in February and March of this year. Since then, they have started fundraising again and postponed filming to fall 2021.

Despite the current battles they face, they're using their voices to highlight the Battle of Hürtgen Forest and the lost stories within it. Their goal is to speak up for the voices, which -- like their grandfather's -- were muted by their own war experiences.

The short movie is funded locally, shot locally and its using local talent. If you would like to get in contact with the Frederick brothers to share your story, or donate to the film, you can reach them on Facebook. Instagram or their website.

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