Spring Hill, TN – May 2025 — A Civil War film that blends history, romance, and tragedy is headed to one of the most prestigious stages in the world. The Legend of Van Dorn, directed by two-time Emmy Award-winner Shane Stanley, will be featured at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, marking a major milestone for the feature film.
The film tells the story of Confederate General Earl Van Dorn—a man whose battlefield brilliance was rivaled only by his personal controversies. Known as a dashing cavalry commander, Van Dorn’s legacy has long been overshadowed by scandal and the mysterious circumstances of his death. The movie brings his full story to the forefront, portraying both his strengths and his deep flaws in a sweeping historical drama.
A Character Larger Than Life
General Van Dorn, who served in the U.S. Army before joining the Confederacy, played a key role in early campaigns of the Civil War. But his reputation was complicated by personal affairs and a dramatic assassination in 1863, when he was shot in the head at close range by a jealous husband. While his military strategies and battlefield daring have earned him praise in some circles, his reckless personal behavior has made him one of the war’s more controversial figures.
“Most people only know how he died,” said actor Lee Wilson, who plays Van Dorn. “But there was so much more to him—he was brilliant, flawed, bold, and incredibly human. That’s the story we wanted to tell.”
Wilson, who also wrote the screenplay, spent years researching Van Dorn’s life before stepping into the role. The film captures Van Dorn’s rise through the ranks, his strategic genius, and the toll that personal recklessness took on his career and legacy.
A Unique Selection for Cannes
The Legend of Van Dorn is among the select titles being represented by Artist View Entertainment at this year’s Cannes Market. The company is also featuring another film by Stanley, Six Days in Evergreen. While Cannes is known for its international prestige and red carpet premieres, the market side of the festival—known as Marché du Film—is where distributors, buyers, and producers gather to discover new films and strike global deals.
A Veteran Director Takes the Helm
Stanley, known for his wide-ranging work in film and television, brought his signature realism and focus on character to the project. He shot the film in Tennessee, where many of the actual events took place, using authentic Civil War sites and period-correct props and wardrobe pieces—some of which were original to the 1860s.
“Shane’s attention to detail and respect for the material were critical,” Wilson said. “He wasn’t trying to romanticize the past. He wanted the grit, the tension, and the truth of that time to come through.”
Though The Legend of Van Dorn marks a departure from Stanley’s more contemporary films, his skill in building emotional resonance and dynamic pacing is evident throughout. Scenes are grounded in mood and character, even amid the chaos of war, and the film offers a layered perspective on a man caught between ambition and self-destruction.
Cast and Craftsmanship
The supporting cast includes D.B. Sweeney, Joe Lando, Ellie Patrikios, John James, and David Meadows. Filmed across Tennessee, the production team worked closely with local historians to ensure accuracy. Uniforms were recreated from original Confederate designs by Christian Michael, and in one case, actual Civil War-era uniform patches were sewn into a reconstructed jacket worn by Wilson in the film.
Beyond the military and historical elements, the film explores Van Dorn’s relationships—both romantic and professional. One key thread follows his bond with Jessie Peters, a local woman whose infatuation with the general provides a modern lens into his tragic appeal.
“It’s not just a Civil War story,” said Wilson. “It’s about what happens when someone is both magnetic and self-destructive—when charm and talent collide with carelessness and ego.”
A Hometown Project Reaches the World
The Legend of Van Dorn is a project with deep local roots. Much of the cast and crew are based in Tennessee, and the production made use of regional talent and locations. From grand Southern mansions to remote battlefields, the film draws on the authenticity of place to ground the narrative.
For Wilson, who lives in Tennessee—where Van Dorn spent his final days—the project was more than just a film. “I’ve walked where he walked. I’ve read his letters. I’ve stood in the very room where he was shot,” he said. “Telling his story on screen is a way of preserving that history, but also challenging the myths we’ve been handed.”
As The Legend of Van Dorn makes its way to Cannes, the team hopes the film will resonate with international audiences interested in untold stories from American history.
The Legend of Van Dorn will be available for viewing at Riviera E7 at the Cannes Market. The film is scheduled for a 2025 U.S. release following its international debut.