The movie written and directed by Castlegar native Scooter Corkle opened Friday night to a packed house.
Hollow in the Land starring Dianna Agron was filmed in Castlegar a little over two years ago. Locals were used as extras and familiar sights and locations from around the area can be seen throughout the movie.
Castlegar News even played a role in the film by producing a front page featuring a story about a tragedy that is part of the movie’s plot. The paper shows up a couple of times towards the beginning of the movie.
Corkle admitted to having last-minute jitters right before the movie played at Kootenay Centre Cinemas.
“My family is here, friends are here, the people I grew up with, it’s a packed house, there is a big lineup outside — I’m nervous for sure,” he said.
“I’m obviously incredibly excited,” added Corkle. “This whole journey from coming up with the idea of writing a movie that takes place in my hometown — the very second thought was screening the movie in the hometown. We’re full circle right now after four and a bit years.”
Castlegar Mayor Lawrence Chernoff was one of the people standing in the long line of people excited to see the movie Friday.
“I’m here for the premiere of this movie and it’s spectacular,” he said.
“My connection to Scooter goes way back — I coached him in soccer. He came to see me two and a half years ago and said he wanted to film a movie in this community — I said tell me what you want and we went from there. I am excited for the community and also for Scooter and his people and how this came off and also what they did for a small community.”
The movie’s Castlegar run has been extended to include another week.