Directed and written by Brandon Smith, the film dives into the tumultuous dynamics between a bold film director, played by Matt Drago, and a subdued rancher, portrayed by McTavish. The plot thickens with an unexpected accident on set, pushing the characters into a compelling emotional spiral. Director Smith shares his personal connection to the film’s setting: “It is an incredibly intimate story, set in the vast backdrop of Montana, where one might feel disconnected to the outside world,” he said. “When I moved to Montana from Los Angeles, I was struck by the beauty and immensity of the landscape and wanted to take advantage of the space as a setting for a film. The break-neck speed of industry in LA is so different from the pace of life in Montana. When an LA crew meets Montana locals, there is both a collision and a connection.”
Tyler Pearson, FLMKR’s co-founder, emphasized the film’s focus on safety, a hot topic in the industry. “I was interested in this film because it explores the need for safety on set,” Pearson noted. “I’ve worked on set for years and know very well how important it is to demand a safe work environment. IATSE has been pushing the entire business for better safety conditions for crews in production. This script came before the accidental shooting on the Rust set. It has been a really important issue in Hollywood, and I think this film will spark even more conversation.” As Somewhere in Montana prepares for its premiere, it promises to offer a unique cinematic experience, melding heartfelt storytelling with the stunning, open vistas of Montana.
