16 to Life Screening in Elkader

McGregor residents have to be smiling these days knowing their town simply shines on the silver screen. This was evident this past Thursday evening, in Elkader, when the movie “16 to Life” was shown at both the Elkader Cinema and the Elkader Opera House. The movie was shot on location in 2007 on McGregor’s Mississippi River banks.

Thursday, members of the cast and crew, including the film’s star, Hallee Hirsh, were on hand, as more than 600 people attended the Elkader screenings. Opera House Manager Kay Moser was absolutely thrilled when Elkader won the opportunity to be Northeast Iowa’s show off point for this new Iowa movie.

The Elkader Cinema presented a free screening at 4:30 p.m. to a nearly full house and then at 7 p.m. a crowd gathered on Main Street, outside of the Elkader Opera House, as members of the film’s cast and crew arrived for a red carpet event. Following the red carpet photo-op, everyone filed in for a sold out showing of the Iowa-made movie “16 to Life.”

The independent feature film was created, directed and produced by Okoboji native and Emmy nominee Becky Smith. Becky teamed with fellow Iowan Terry Trimpe, best known for his work as the associate producer of the Iowa filmed, “The Final Season.” After the show, the team took to the stage with the attending cast members for a question and answer period.

The two poured out their gratitude to the Opera House audience, which was mostly comprised of people who had some association with the movie production. They were on hand to see how their help impacted the final result. During production, McGregor and Marquette locals and businesses provided lodging, food service, props, and served as the movie’s extras. According to Moser, one of the audience members was there just to see how his combine showed in the film.

The crowd seemed pleased with the final outcome as they roared with laughter during this quirky, well acted, soundly produced romantic comedy. Almost every scene included some recognizable McGregor landmark including generous doses of the Beer & Brats Garden, Kwik Trip, the McGregor river walk and of course Main Street. However, it is the Mississippi River bluffs and America’s River itself that completely sells this movie into the hearts of movie goers.

The movie takes place in and around a small ice cream stand positioned on the river shore. In actuality, the constructed set sat on a bank near the McGregor boat landing. It was in this ice cream stand the movie’s lead character, Kate (played by Hallee Hirsh of ER fame), celebrated or perhaps did not celebrate her 16th birthday. The sensitive, introspective, well read yet somewhat naïve Kate spends every hour of her birthday combating the fact she is 16 and never been kissed. All the while the character is forced to confront her humiliation with an entirely odd bunch of friends, family members, co-workers and ice cream stand customers. Hirsh says the little set proved to be the perfect setting for this rural America group of characters to “boil.” Congratulations to Hirsh for her stellar performance. Because of the chemistry she created with the mixed bag "16 to Life" characters this movie is without a doubt memorable.

Having a production team comprised of Iowans certainly had its advantages for budding Iowan actors as the film’s creator, Becky Smith, fully intended to use as many Iowa resources as possible. She explains it was completely necessary to use L.A. actors in some of the lead roles in order to sell the movie yet it was certainly her intention to use Iowa actors whenever possible.

Two key roles were landed by Iowans, as well as many bit parts. The role of Kate’s angry sister was convincingly played by Luther student and Monona native, Gabrielle McNally. The role of Jordan, a handsome, preppy, love-em-and-leave-em-guy, was played by ISU graduate and Ames resident, Brennan Dunphy. Gabrielle and Brennan were in Elkader for the screening, Gabrielle was proud to report she had performed previously performed on the Opera House stage.

Smith informed the crowd the future bodes well for this already award-winning film, as it continues to travel the festival circuit. The show has already racked up several nominations and awards. This spring at the Los Angeles Method Fest, “16 to Life” received five nominations and won Best Film (Audience Award). While veteran actor Theresa Russell won Best Supporting Actor for her excellent portrayal of the experienced, hardened, yet soulful stand owner, Louise.

After their red carpet screening in Elkader the cast and crew were going to return to their everyday lives in Iowa and L.A. until they reunite for future film festival screenings. The hope is this independent Iowa film will turn the head of film distributors and find its way in major theaters across the country. Regardless of the outcome, McGregor, IA, residents must smile because your town shines on the silver screen.