Ike Maxwell was destined for greatness, a hometown football hero poised to be Ohio’s next Jim Brown. But when his younger brother was killed in the summer of 1975, Ike’s dream of leaving behind a post-industrial town on the decline and making it big was derailed.

Ike was once described by The New York Times as Elyria’s favorite son. His brother’s untimely death also captured national attention after it sparked a three-day protest that prompted the National Guard to descend on Elyria, a town modeled for its placidity. This film goes beyond the headlines to tell a more personal story of a man who struggled to navigate the unforgiving realities of a world that wasn’t built for in to win.

Through raw storytelling, rich archival footage, and an electrifying soundtrack featuring rare tracks from Cleveland’s legendary Boodie Recording Company, DRY BONES uncovers the breakthroughs and setbacks of a forgotten superstar and the forthright and faithful community that refuses to let his story die.

Filmmaker Tara L. Conley delivers a powerful portrait of the anti-hero from a tepid town reckoning with the weight of history in Rust Belt America.