Alumnus directs first big-budget film: ‘Lost on a Mountain in Maine’ focuses on family, human spirit

Augustana alumnus Andrew Kightlinger is moving up in the world of film.

“Lost on a Mountain in Maine” is Kightlinger’s first directorial project with a multi-million dollar budget. Produced by Sylvester Stallone and distributed by Blue Fox Entertainment, the film is based on the true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler becoming lost in Maine’s forested wilderness for nine days. The film was released to theaters nationwide on Nov. 1, 2024.

Kightlinger, who graduated from Augustana in 2008 with majors in government and international affairs as well as French, said he was drawn to the project’s hopeful tone.

“I liked the simplicity of themes: family, community, and the triumph of the human spirit,” Kightlinger said.

The former government major also said that the tumultuous nature of current politics contributed to his desire to make something that harkened back to PG adventure films of the past, like “E.T.” and “White Fang” that could be enjoyed by entire families. 

The making of his biggest project to-date was a massive task, Kightlinger said. 

In addition to the project’s size, outdoor filming posed challenges like rough terrain and pesky bugs for the cast and crew.

“In general, the scope of the project was a huge level-up for me, and it was the perfect opportunity to show I could handle a larger budget and a crew of 200-plus people,” Kightlinger said.

He noted that his time at Augustana taught him many of the skills that he uses on set, calling himself a “creative diplomat.”

“My job is to surround myself with people better than me at their jobs and empower them to be the best version of themselves,” Kightlinger said. “That’s leadership in a nutshell. Studying American political philosophy and international affairs helped me understand what tools I would need as a director to embolden the crew and execute my vision.”

Kightlinger’s passion for film has been clear since his time as an undergraduate. Despite not having had a major related to media studies, a liberal arts education allowed Kightlinger to incorporate his interest in film into both of his undergraduate theses.

French professor Scott Fish, who himself possesses an interdisciplinary interest in film, encouraged Kightlinger – who grew up in Madagascar – to pursue an independent study in African film. Kightlinger did so, writing an honors thesis in French that compared the cinematic styles and narratives of four African films.

“Andrew was a very serious and creative student,” Fish said.

Provost Joel Johnson, who was a professor in the government department when Kightlinger was an undergraduate, advised Kightlinger on his other senior thesis, a discussion on the phenomenon of suicide bombing in film. 

Johnson remembers Kightlinger for his “lightning wit” and interest in interdisciplinary studies.

“Augustana seemed like a great place for [Andrew], since he could freely explore topics that did not fit neatly in one field or another,” Johnson said. “I think his undergraduate experience really helped sustain his growth as a creative young director, enabling him to see past artificial barriers and reshape how audiences view the world.”

Since Johnson saw “Lost on a Mountain in Maine,” he said he has been recommending it to everyone.

“For those exhausted by months of political contestation, this is the perfect opportunity for enjoying a gripping adventure film together with the whole family,” Johnson said.

Kightlinger said he made the movie to bring families together.

“My ultimate hope is that after you see this film, you call your parents or child or sibling or anyone, and tell them you love them,” Kightlinger said.