Filmmaker Joseph Palmer completes *Through My Eyes*, a dark fairytale about human trafficking, after years of self-funding and community support.

Joseph Palmer, a filmmaker from near Belleville, has completed his first feature film, *Through My Eyes*, a dark fairytale about human trafficking, after years of self-funding and community support. Originally a 2018 short film idea, it evolved into a full-length project shot in short bursts over several years due to budget and scheduling limits, with local volunteers providing locations, meals, and time. Filming occurred during the later stages of the pandemic, requiring small crews and strict health protocols. Now in post-production, the film is being color graded ahead of potential festival or streaming release. Palmer says the goal was never profit, but to prove ambitious filmmaking is possible with persistence, organization, and community help.