
Lauralee Farrer
Directing
Biography
As president and principal filmmaker of Burning Heart Productions, Writer/Director Lauralee Farrer began her own film work with the award-winning documentary "Laundry and Tosca." The feature-length documentary that followed, "The Fair Trade," was chosen as the launch film for the Film Baby, Ryko, and Warner series of "Powerful Films." Farrer was co-writer and director on the feature narrative "Not That Funny" starring Tony Hale, and writer/director on the narrative feature "Praying the Hours" (2021).
Known For

A love story about a woman who "just wants someone who makes her laugh" and a man who is not that funny. As he tries to learn how to be the man she says she wants, they each find an unexpected chance at happiness.
Not That Funny

The feature documentary The Fair Trade tells the story of Tamara Johnston who, devastated by the tragic death of her fiance, makes a bargain with God in exchange for a meaningful life. She and her twin sister Shelby join forces with brother-in-law Steven to start one of the first fair trade skincare companies—Anti-Body. Even as Tamara becomes a successful activist for human rights and social justice causes, despair over her loss remains unabated. As she nears the deadline of her bargain, a trip to Africa allows her to visit the fair trade co-op from which Anti-Body buys its organic shea butter. There, she finds a surprising answer to what is required of her in exchange for a sustainable life.
The Fair Trade

At the beginning of the epic feature Praying the Hours, the Traveling Man dies in an accident caused by someone he trusts and loves. During the time it takes for him to cross from this life to the next, he visits eight friends with whom he has surprising unresolved business. He sees their lives from the vantage point of eternity, giving him glimpses of beauty and struggle that mirror his own. His journey culminates in a wedding where he views his own life with tender grace—just as he is leaving it. His bittersweet tale, imagined from real events, allows us to see how hard times and even death can make way for transcendence.
Praying the Hours

A documentary about William (Bill) E. Pannell, one of the most significant figures in Black evangelicalism during the twentieth century. The film consists entirely of Pannell's own words compiled from sermons, speeches, and interviews he gave throughout his life.