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Boston Woman Raising Money For Carlos Arredondo Documentary

BOSTON (CBS) - A Boston woman filming a documentary about Carlos Arredondo is trying to raise $30,000 for the project.

Arredondo, known as "The Man In The Cowboy Hat" saved Jeff Bauman after the Boston Marathon bombings, .

Carlos Arredondo with Jeff Bauman
Carlos Arredondo with Jeff Bauman.

As of Friday morning, Janice Rogovin's film has received nearly 50 donations and raised more than $8,200 via her Indiegogo campaign.  But she says she still needs more support.

"We are very close to finishing this documentary and are excited to be able to share it with you," she wrote on the site. "But we need...to pay for music, archival materials, titles, color correction and audio mixing.

"These professional services are expensive but necessary to complete the film. You can help us get to the finish-line by contributing to our campaign. Any amount will help us reach our goal!"

Carlos Arredondo
Carlos Arredondo, who was at the finish line of the Boston Marathon when two explosives detonated. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

Rogovin says she is inspired by Arredondo, an immigrant from Costa Rica, and the life he's led since his son died fighting in the Iraq War in 2004.

The filmmaker says she also experienced grief, when her cousin died at the Battle of Hamburger Hill in Vietnam.

"The first time I interviewed Carlos in 2005, I was drawn to him on an emotional level," she said.

"Over time, I could see clearly how Carlos's personal narrative intersected with big issues of our time such as immigration, participation in democracy, and war."

Carlos Arredondo
Carlos Arredondo with the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery, Sept. 11, 2013. (WBZ-TV)

Arredondo went on to become a peace activist and is known for his efforts during the Occupy Boston movement.

Carlos Arredondo-Jeff Bauman
Carlos Arredondo (L) and Jeff Bauman at the State of the Union on January 28, 2014 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

"'The Man in the Cowboy Hat'... follows Arredondo as he evolves from a grief-stricken father to an influential peace activist to the Boston Marathon bombing hero," she said.

"His story highlights the social and personal consequences of war. It also raises awareness about the willingness of those in power to lie and manipulate.

"This film urges you to take a stand for the American Dream and democratic values," Rogovin added.

To make a donation, go to her website.

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