The Water Came In started out as a way to honor and preserve the legacy of my grandfather, Charlie Bell Wilson, but as I began my research, it became clear that the film should also represent the community and connectivity that is still alive and well in Sellers, South Carolina.

Sellers was once a thriving town with several businesses that were supported by its residents. It has been devastated by industrial losses triggered by an increasing move towards a global economy and unimaginable environmental losses.  In the early1920’s, Sellers had a population of around 483 residents and in the 1960’s, the highest recorded population was as many as 565 residents.

The current population stands at 91. It has steadily declined since the 1980’s. What does the future hold for small rural southern towns in the United States of America? Studies show that the decline of small rural cities are the result of changing demographics, failure to keep up with a diverse economy, infrastructure failures and access to capital.  As Sellers struggles with record level poverty and no apparent plan for growth, the community is ripe for being irrecoverable and erased from history. As a filmmaker, I knew I needed to capture the story of this town that could soon be erased from history.

These types of towns which were once the backbone and building blocks of our country run the risk of no longer existing.  This town and others like it have contributed greatly to our modern society and deserves to be celebrated. Others may have forgotten about Sellers, but they know exactly who they are. This film will be an important part of history and will serve as a living memorial of my grandfather, and the people of Sellers, South Carolina.