Inside the Comic Heist of “The Pearl” — A First Look You’ll Want to See
A private read-through revealed just how witty, surprising, and impactful this true-story caper really is.
A Sneak Peek at the Comic-Heist Heart of The Pearl
A mock-up image from the pitch deck for “The Pearl”.
Recently, a small group of supporters gathered for a private read-through of excerpts of The Pearl, and the evening revealed just how entertaining—and intentionally funny—this story truly is. With Kirby Heyborne leading the cast as Henry Burkhardt, the script unfolded like a clever, high-stakes caper set inside the absurd world of East German bureaucracy. The projected backgrounds added a playful cinematic touch, helping everyone visualize the escalating, cat-and-mouse strategizing that makes Henry’s decades-long “waltz” with the Stasi feel equal parts Ocean’s Eleven and Jojo Rabbit—all grounded in a remarkable true story.
What surprised and delighted the room most was the tone: sharp comedic beats, ironic twists, and a constant undercurrent of heist-like tension as Henry unintentionally outsmarts the very system designed to control him. The audience laughed often—and leaned in even more—recognizing the film’s unique blend of humor, heart, and historical intrigue. By the end of the night, the consensus was clear: The Pearl isn’t just an inspiring story of faith under pressure; it’s a witty, tightly crafted comedic-heist with the potential to captivate audiences and leave them buzzing long after the credits roll.
Writers Garrett Batty and Kirby Heyborne, alongside actor Paul Cartwright, share a laugh with audience members as they present a scene from their new script, “The Pearl.”
The Pearl is now in development
The early response to The Pearl confirms what we’ve believed from the beginning—this is a rare story with the power to entertain, broaden understanding, and present a hilariously ironic take on a remarkable chapter of faith and courage. As we move toward production, we invite you to be part of this journey.
Want to host a read-through event? Schedule a “cottage-meeting” with Kirby and Garrett.
Your support through the Help Them See Foundation directly fuels projects like The Pearl—stories that spark connection, inspire belief, and bring light into the world.
👉 Learn more, get involved, or make a tax-deductible contribution at HelpThemSeeFoundation.org.
Image from pitch deck for “The Pearl”.
