On a recent crisp afternoon in Shoshone, California, a crowd gathered around the Flower Building at the Shoshone Museum for the premiere screening of The Women Who Haunt Her, a new documentary by filmmaker Ted Faye. Known for his Weird Tales series, Faye’s latest work focuses on the lives of three remarkable women who helped shape the history of Death Valley. The event, co-hosted by Tecopa’s own local historian Robin Flinchum, drew an audience of about 50 people, including community members and local historians.
Highlighting Remarkable Stories
The documentary delves into the stories of women like Celeste and Mona Bell, who overcame immense challenges to thrive in Death Valley’s unforgiving landscape. Narrated by Robin Flinchum, the film takes viewers on a journey through historical sites, interviews with experts, and personal reflections, bringing to life the resilience and strength of these pioneering women.
“Death Valley can be brutally unforgiving,” Flinchum said during the post-screening Q&A. “To make it out here, you need an unbreakable core. Women like Celeste and Mona created beauty wherever they went, despite the hardships.”
Brian Brown, the grandson of Stella Fairbanks (wife of Charles Brown), one of the women featured in the documentary, shared a personal perspective: “The people who stayed here endured things that would make most run away. My grandmother’s stories of surviving the harsh conditions showed just how strong she was.”
Community Engagement
The screening brought together local figures such as Judy Palmer, Susan Sorrells, and Jim Gilliam, along with appearances by Mark Hall-Patton, famously known as “the Beard” from the History Channel’s Pawn Stars. The event fostered a sense of community pride and connection to the region’s history.
One attendee humorously inquired about the mummified giants and other stories featured in Faye’s previous series, drawing laughs from the audience. However, the evening remained focused on celebrating the women whose stories were central to the film.
What’s Next for the Documentary
The Women Who Haunt Her is set to make the rounds at various film festivals, with plans for additional screenings in Las Vegas. After its festival circuit, the documentary will be made available on streaming platforms like YouTube. Filmmaker Ted Faye expressed his gratitude to everyone involved, including Nevada Humanities and the Shoshone Museum, for their support in bringing these stories to light.
For those interested in learning more, Robin Flinchum’s book, Red Light Women of Death Valley, offers further exploration of the area’s rich history.
A Celebration of Strength and Legacy
As the credits rolled and the lights came up, attendees lingered to discuss the film and its powerful message. Longtime resident Jehane Rucquoi summed up the sentiment: “You can do whatever you want here, but you have to build it yourself.” This spirit of resilience and determination is exactly what The Women Who Haunt Her seeks to honor, ensuring the legacies of these pioneering women live on.
Via the Pahrump Valley Times article on the documentary, which offers a moderate amount of information but could improve in clarity and focus on the subject matter.
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