Help us fund An Arrow Shot Through Time

“Empathy, once shared, never disappears.”

Director’s Note from Bill Muench:

My journey to An Arrow Shot Through Time began with a letter from Colleen O’Malley. She had just seen my previous film, The Artist & the Astronaut, and reached out to tell me how much she was moved by a segment featuring Pat Musick’s art installation along the Trail of Tears. In her note, she shared a story I had never heard before—that in 1847, while still reeling from their own forced removal, the Choctaw Nation sent $170 to help the Irish people during the Great Hunger.

I remember sitting with that letter, reading it twice, and saying to myself, this is the kind of story the world needs right now. In that instant, I knew I had found my next film.

As a filmmaker, educator, and lifelong coach, I’m always searching for stories that reveal the best of who we are — stories about resilience, compassion, and connection. My time working with Pat Musick opened my eyes to the depth of pain and endurance behind the Trail of Tears. That experience stayed with me, shaping how I look at humanity and the quiet ways people choose hope.

When I learned that the 2022 Irish lacrosse team voluntarily stepped aside to make room for the Iroquois Nationals to compete in the World Lacrosse Games, it stopped me in my tracks. I saw the living echo of that same Choctaw generosity. This was compassion flowing forward through time, culture to culture, person to person.

For me, An Arrow Shot Through Time is not just a documentary—it’s a continuation of that spirit and a chance to bring together sport, history, and humanity, and to remind us that kindness can cross oceans, generations, and pain. This film is deeply personal because it reflects what I’ve learned throughout my life and career: that empathy, once shared, never disappears. It keeps moving forward…like an arrow shot through time.

You can support the film by making a donation through our fiscal sponsor, The Center for Arts and Learning, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, federal tax ID number: 45-5195841. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

If you prefer to donate by check:

Make checks payable to:
Center for Arts and Learning

Memo line:
An Arrow Shot Through Time

Mail to:
Center for Arts and Learning
46 Barre Street
Montpelier, VT 05602

Stock Donations

CAL accepts stock donations. By donating stock that has appreciated for more than a year, you are giving 20% more than if you sold the stock and then made a cash donation, since you will not pay capital gains taxes on the donated stock. Email: info@cal-vt.org

Text to Give

Anyone who sends the text: ASTT to the number 53-555 will be sent the link to donate right from their mobile phone.