Movies at The Pearl: Double feature supports local filmmakers
BONNERS FERRY — On Friday, June 16, The Pearl Theater presents a short film double feature of “Spread the Virus” and “Peace Among Black Hills.” Tickets ($5) are available at the doors at 7 p.m.. First show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Sandpoint writing/directing sisters, Haley and Sarah Hines, intend to expand the independent filmmaking industry to North Idaho, creating meaningful films with socially conscious, impactful themes. Question/answer sessions with the Hines’ will follow films to increase community education and audience participation.
“Spread the Virus” debuted as Planted Root’s 2015 Red Carpet Premier at The Panida. The short promotional film calls audiences to action by challenging them to consider potential “ripple effects” of compassion in random acts of kindness. In keeping with the film’s themes, the sisters began exploring local service projects, from an organic food program for children to Planted Roots Foundation, a 501(c)3 Non-Profit, supporting free year-round film education for underprivileged youth in the Sandpoint community.
The other award-winning short, “Peace Among Black Hills,” promotes a future project, a feature-length film about love, loss, discrimination and hardship after the wars with the Plains Indians. The Hines’ great grandmother told stories that inspired it: a tale of a Lakota girl who must reclaim her heritage and lost love after she’s forced to separate from her people. It leaves the audience wanting more, with an enticing cliff-hanger ending. The feature-length script blends history with make-believe in a “Young Guns” meets “Dances with Wolves” style. It’s a story of “Girls, Guts, and Guns ... What possibly could go wrong?”
Planted Roots Productions seeks local actors and financial backing to producers in North Idaho who also support increased economic opportunities, Native American history, and exposure for women in film.
Sarah says, “It’s more than just a Western; it’s a beautiful story... it’s my baby. I wake up in the morning and think about what I can do next to express to people how wonderful this story is, to see our passion for this film in person.”
The Pearl Theater supports this event in its ongoing mission to foster performing arts throughout Boundary County. Directions: 7160 Ash St. in Bonners Ferry, south of the Casino. Turn East off of Highway 95 and look for the steeple. For more information or Pearl membership, please call (208)610-2846 or email: info@thepearltheater.org