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A new 55-minute documentary film, “Wartrace: A Living Soul,” is set to make its public debut this Saturday, where it will offer an intimate look at the local history and community of Wartrace through the eyes of its long-time residents.

Produced, directed, and edited by Murfreesboro-based filmmaker, Heidi Cataldo-Warren, the film features four central interviews, including Irma Troxler, a 102-year-old resident of Morning Pointe of Tullahoma Assisted Living and the oldest living native of Wartrace, who will celebrate her 103^rd birthday this November. Troxler was a former church secretary with deep local roots in Wartrace—including her grandfather once serving as Wartrace’s mayor—Irma offers a living connection to the town’s storied past.

“Wartrace: A Living Soul” delves into the rich tapestry of life in the Wartrace area, capturing stories and reflections that span generations. The film aims to provide a unique and accurately historical perspective, highlighting the enduring spirit and character of the community through personal narratives, making it relatable to anyone who knows or loves Small Town America.

“This film has been a true labor of love, a passion project,” Cataldo-Warren said. “The wisdom and experiences shared by our interviewees–our oldest participant, a mayor and congressman, a preservationist, and a local mechanic turned aerospace engineer–are profoundly woven together to offer a rare glimpse into a bygone era while connecting it to the present and potential future.”

The documentary had a quiet opening on Saturday, July 12, at King’s Cross Church in Tullahoma. The official public debut will premiere Saturday, Aug. 9, at 3 Main St. in Wartrace, a 15 to 20 minute drive from Tullahoma. The doors will open at 10:30 a.m. and the red carpet/ screening will start at 12:30 p.m. Further details regarding screening times and additional public showings will be announced on the film’s website at ALivingSoul.info.

The synopsis of the film is described as “an intricately woven narrative that transcends time, revealing how the past, present, and future are tied together through the extraordinary cooperation, collaboration, and inherent goodness of a small American town. From the ‘Iron Horse’ of the railroad to the modern-day ‘Iron Horse Craft Pizza,’ this film explores how history cycles through politics, music, and art, perpetually bringing people together. While touching on universal themes of hardship, symbolized by wars like the Civil War, the documentary emphasizes that one specific story passed down reflects all human experiences. It showcases how, even in adversity, the remarkable hearts of Wartrace’s people foster resilience and innovation, allowing them to grow and succeed through good times and bad. Explore their rich local history through schools, newspapers, banks, churches, and more, in a powerful testament to the enduring soul of Small Town America.”

About Heidi Cataldo-Warren

Heidi Cataldo-Warren is a Murfreesboro-based business owner who helps others build their businesses through process establishment, website development, content creation, and business knowledge. She has always been involved in the entertainment industry and has a deep commitment to storytelling that celebrates community, heritage, and history. “Wartrace: A Living Soul” marks Heidi’s first solo efforts in directorial and editorial debut in feature-length documentary filmmaking. This is one of many other collaborative projects, however.