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SYNOPSIS
The Stones Are Speaking tell the inspiring story of how archaeologist Mike Collins, at great risk and personal sacrifice, saved 30 acres of looted land deep in the heart of Texas and revealed it as one of the most significant sites in the Americas. Collins and his team found evidence of people living in Central Texas, nearly continuously, for about 20,000 years. They also uncovered the largest number of Clovis artifacts ever found in one location in North America.
The film is more than a simple story of archaeological discoveries. It's a heartfelt and timeless story of the power of one person to make a difference and how selflessness, passion and perseverance can inspire others to act for the greater good.
Through extensive archival footage, photos and interviews, we connect the viewer to a charming archaeologist, Mike Collins and follow as he overcomes one obstacle after another to save this plundered site. Collins saw potential in a place that others wrote off as worthless. In the end, he and his army of volunteers open up a window into early human life in the Americas at the end of the Ice Age, in an unexpected place in Texas.
The film is part biography, mystery and historical narrative, with an endearing cast of characters and an insider view of what it took to save this special place in history.
We hope the film moves you, just as Mike Collins has touched the hearts and minds of countless others in his lifelong quest to add meaning to our larger shared story as humans on planet Earth.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Independent filmmaking is the latest chapter in Olive Talley’s award-winning journalism career that spans network television, newspapers, radio and an international wire service.
She is a three-time Emmy finalist, a Pulitzer Prize finalist in investigative reporting, and a winner of the George Polk, Du-Pont Columbia Award for Hurricane Katrina news team coverage, a National Headliner for Outstanding Network Documentary, and Texas Headliner Awards, among others.
AWARDS & SCREENINGS
Premiere: Austin Film Festival 2024, USA Film Festival 2025, TAC 2025.
AWARDS
Austin Film Festival, Audience Award.
The Archaeology Channel FF – jury awards and Audience Award.
- Year2024
- Runtime86 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- DirectorOlive Talley
- ProducerOlive Talley
- Executive ProducerOlive Talley Productions LLC
SYNOPSIS
The Stones Are Speaking tell the inspiring story of how archaeologist Mike Collins, at great risk and personal sacrifice, saved 30 acres of looted land deep in the heart of Texas and revealed it as one of the most significant sites in the Americas. Collins and his team found evidence of people living in Central Texas, nearly continuously, for about 20,000 years. They also uncovered the largest number of Clovis artifacts ever found in one location in North America.
The film is more than a simple story of archaeological discoveries. It's a heartfelt and timeless story of the power of one person to make a difference and how selflessness, passion and perseverance can inspire others to act for the greater good.
Through extensive archival footage, photos and interviews, we connect the viewer to a charming archaeologist, Mike Collins and follow as he overcomes one obstacle after another to save this plundered site. Collins saw potential in a place that others wrote off as worthless. In the end, he and his army of volunteers open up a window into early human life in the Americas at the end of the Ice Age, in an unexpected place in Texas.
The film is part biography, mystery and historical narrative, with an endearing cast of characters and an insider view of what it took to save this special place in history.
We hope the film moves you, just as Mike Collins has touched the hearts and minds of countless others in his lifelong quest to add meaning to our larger shared story as humans on planet Earth.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Independent filmmaking is the latest chapter in Olive Talley’s award-winning journalism career that spans network television, newspapers, radio and an international wire service.
She is a three-time Emmy finalist, a Pulitzer Prize finalist in investigative reporting, and a winner of the George Polk, Du-Pont Columbia Award for Hurricane Katrina news team coverage, a National Headliner for Outstanding Network Documentary, and Texas Headliner Awards, among others.
AWARDS & SCREENINGS
Premiere: Austin Film Festival 2024, USA Film Festival 2025, TAC 2025.
AWARDS
Austin Film Festival, Audience Award.
The Archaeology Channel FF – jury awards and Audience Award.
- Year2024
- Runtime86 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- DirectorOlive Talley
- ProducerOlive Talley
- Executive ProducerOlive Talley Productions LLC