Lance Avery Morgan
Unearthing History: A Texan Tale For The Ages
Photography courtesy of The Stones Are Speaking
Lost & Found
In a twist fit for a Texas-sized blockbuster, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the Americas wasn’t unearthed in a distant jungle…but deep in the heart of Central Texas. “The Stones Are Speaking,” an award-winning documentary by writer/director Olive Talley, chronicles how archaeologist Mike Collins risked it all to rescue 30 acres of plundered land, transforming it from a pay-to-dig site into the revered Gault archaeological site.
Premiering in the Lone Star State’s spotlight with the “Made in Texas Film Series,” the film will captivate audiences nationwide on the PBS Passport app starting March 22. Following its triumphant debut at the Austin Film Festival, where it clinched the audience award for best Texas Independent Feature, “The Stones Are Speaking” promises to rewrite history with each frame.
Digging Deeper
Delving deep into the grit and grandeur of Collins’ quest, the documentary rewinds the clock 20,000 years to a time when Texas was cooler than a cat in a cowboy hat—near the tail end of the last ice age. These groundbreaking discoveries at the Gault site not only recalibrate our understanding of early human habitation in the Americas but also spotlight the power of one person’s perseverance against all odds.
“I hope the film inspires people,” remarks Olive Talley, the visionary behind the lens. “To preserve history before it’s fossilized in obscurity. If we could all channel a bit of Mike Collins’ spirit, the world would surely be a more enlightened place. He didn’t just dig up artifacts; he unearthed a legacy for us all.”
About the creative team:
Olive Talley – Director, Writer, Producer. A powerhouse in the world of documentary filmmaking, Talley’s career spans the gamut from exposing truths to excavating tales buried in time. Her knack for storytelling has earned her accolades across networks and newsstands alike, cementing her as a force in shedding light on the shadows of history.
John McCaa, Narrator. With a voice as familiar as the Texas drawl and a career as storied as the Lone Star State itself, McCaa narrates this odyssey with the gravitas it deserves. From WFAA in Dallas to WOWT in Omaha, McCaa’s journalistic journey mirrors the depth and breadth of the stories he brings to life.
For those hungry for a slice of Texas-sized history, “The Stones Are Speaking” promises to be more than just another documentary—it’s a testament to the tenacity of Texans, the resilience of history, and the wonders yet to be unearthed beneath the Lone Star State’s vast skies.
