Reese documentary nearing completion

Sitting above Dan Mizicko’s edit desk where he is currently cutting film for the upcoming feature-length documentary, “Angel in Amish Country: The Perry Reese Jr. Story,” is a photo of former Hiland head basketball coach Perry Reese.

While Reese passed away a quarter-century ago, it hasn’t stopped Mizicko, who never met Reese, from connecting with the man many simply refer to as “Coach.”

“Many times I find myself talking to him,” Mizicko said. “If I need motivation or I get excited about something that is taking place, I’ll just start a conversation with him like he’s right there. I feel his presence then, and I feel his presence with everyone we’ve talked to throughout the process.”

One might say Reese’s presence almost makes him a co-producer. At least that’s the feeling those involved with the documentary have.

“There’s something special going on here that goes beyond coincidence with how everything has played out with the making of this documentary about Perry,” film producer Zosimo Jay Maximo said.

There’s a reason the optimism is growing after Maximo packed the idea of this film away in the back of his mind 25 years ago.

After five years of grinding through a mountain of material, talking and interviewing countless friends and family members who knew Reese and understood the powerful story of how a black man who stepped into a white world transformed the lives of so many in the middle of Amish Country, the duo is nearing the final days of production, eager to get it all complete and to begin promoting the film through film festivals.

On Sunday, Oct. 12, some of the key figures in the Reese documentary came together at the outdoor basketball court at Walnut Creek Elementary, which for decades has played a pivotal role in the development of many of the Hawks’ basketball players.

The court has been a playground for former greats like Junior Raber, twins Nevin and Kevin Mishler, several years later Jason Mishler, and many more, all of whom encouraged their teammates to join them for impromptu practices there. While none of these gatherings were ever official practices, they resulted in plenty of spirited play that helped players hone their skills.

For Maximo and Mizicko, having instrumental figures like brothers Dave and Mark Schlabach, Kevin Mishler, and Jason Mishler convene at the court in Walnut Creek provided a perfect way to wrap up filming on the documentary because it served as an important part of the growth of the program Reese built.

The duo originally had planned to end the film with Reese’s induction into the Ohio High School Basketball Hall of Fame.

Maximo said it was incredible, but something was missing. Then came the full-circle moment, the rematch 32 years in the making between Hiland and Lima Central Catholic in the state semifinals, a game in which Nick Wigton hit a 3-pointer in double overtime for the Hawks from nearly the same spot Junior Raber had fired off his last-second heave in 1992 that sent the Hawks to victory.

“It felt meant to be, something you can’t script,” Maximo said of the moment. “It was magical. There’s been that type of divinity about this whole project.”

Those special moments have been there since the beginning. Even the day Maximo and Mizicko met to discuss making the film five years ago was magical, that day being Nov. 22, the same day Reese passed away.

“We had no idea,” Maximo said.

Still, because of how intimate this movie has become to both of them and how much they have come to realize Reese meant to those he helped transform through his life, they wanted something very personal to put the finishing touches on it, and the tiny outdoor court seemed like the perfect way to tie everything together with the appropriate feelings.

“We wanted one final positive way to bring everyone back together and celebrate in a place that has significant history in the story,” Maximo said. “It’s been an ambitious project filled with magical moments.”

Now as they bring it all home, the producers are gearing up to release it at the Cleveland Film Festival next March. Maximo said finding the proper places to showcase the film is critical in creating exposure.

“By mid-November we will have our legitimate first cut,” Maximo said.

And in a touching tribute, the two have set their deadline to finish the film on Nov. 22.

As the entire group wrapped up their afternoon of filming and sharing their stories and lives together at the outdoor court, they gathered together, the presence of Reese and Nevin Mishler in the midst of that circle as they prayed the community would carry on the messages of hope both displayed, and Kevin Mishler prayed, asking God to help share their message through this film.

If anyone would like to watch a short film of "Angel in Amish Country" or would like to help support the final production costs to finish the film, they may do so by visiting www.AngelinAmishCountry.com.