Local filmmakers bring medieval fantasy to life in new movie premiering in east Idaho
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IDAHO FALLS — A medieval fantasy film shot at the Haunted River in Menan and other eastern Idaho locations will premiere Oct. 30 at the Paramount Triplex Theater in Idaho Falls.
“Tales of Ardenmore,” written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Lance B. Witmer, brings together more than 50 local filmmakers, actors and artists in a story featuring sword fights, fantastical creatures and themes of brotherhood, courage and the timeless battle between good and evil.
Witmer, a professional filmmaker who spent nine years working in Los Angeles, drew on creative talent from throughout eastern Idaho, including Idaho Falls, Rexburg and Pocatello, to transform the region’s rugged landscapes into an original medieval fantasy world.
Local lead actors include Hondo Hendricks of Pocatello and Tylor Christiansen of Rigby. The film also features Mayhem Makers Stunt Co., a Rigby-based company specializing in medieval stunts and combat.
Two years in the making, the production culminated in an intense six-day shoot, with crews filming more than seven pages of script per day. By comparison, Witmer said large-budget productions typically film only two to three pages a day.
Using multiple Blackmagic cinema cameras, the crew worked through challenging weather conditions while coordinating elaborate sword fights, smoke effects, fantastical creatures and scenes involving large animals in the rugged landscapes of East Idaho.
Witmer said the film was a true community effort, with approximately 50 to 60 people contributing their time, talents and resources.
“This was a community effort of 50 to 60 people, from makeup artists to actors,” he said.
Witmer credits director of photography Bryce Souriall, along with Carlos Garcia and Caleb Smedra, who contributed original music to the production. He also acknowledged assistance from local media companies Kino Media and Rumorfy Media.
At its heart, Witmer said the film explores universal themes of courage, loyalty and the struggle between good and evil.
“It’s about good versus evil, brotherhood and love,” he said. “The reception of the movie so far has been warm and exciting.”
“Tales of Ardenmore” will screen at 6 p.m. daily from Oct. 30 through Nov. 4 at the Paramount Triplex Theater in Idaho Falls. Opening night will feature a red-carpet event beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be reserved here.
Witmer has also confirmed a Nov. 22 screening at the Egyptian Theatre in Boise and is working to arrange additional showings in Pocatello and Southern California, as well as appearances at film festivals in Utah and his home state of Pennsylvania.
For Witmer, the project is about more than bringing one movie to the screen. He hopes to eventually establish an independent film studio in eastern Idaho, drawing inspiration from companies such as Angel Studios and Hallmark.
“Just because you live in Idaho Falls doesn’t mean you can’t make movies,” he said. “Rally your friends, bring your kids (ages 10 and older), leave a review on IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes or Letterboxd, and let’s generate some buzz!”
Those interested in learning more about Witmer’s vision or becoming involved in future projects can contact him at Valorfilms@lancebwitmer.com.
