A movie about Spokane, by Spokane and for Spokane
Mike Fagan, City Council-District 1, 509.625.6224
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 3:27 p.m.
A nine-year journey for two local men culminates on Friday when their award-winning film, Different Drummer, makes it's theatrical debut in Spokane.
Different Drummer was written, funded and filmed in Spokane about events that happened in Spokane in the mid -1960s. The production included more than 500 local-area talent and crew members. The feature film is the creation of Don Caron and Lyle Hatcher and their production company, Different Drummers LLC. Caron is best known in Spokane as a screenwriter and composer (The Basket-MGM 1999). Hatcher is a former vice-president and Investment Advisor with AG Edwards.
“Spokane is fortunate to host the official kick off of the theatrical run of feature film, Different Drummers, at the AMC theatres in downtown Spokane,” says City Councilman Mike Fagan.
The story is set on the North Side of Spokane in the mid-1960s, and focuses on the unlikely friendship of two fourth graders, one hyperactive (Hatcher) and the other in a wheelchair with muscular dystrophy (David Dahlke).
“The first time I heard this story, back in 2004, I told Lyle, 'This is the one. This is the one I've been waiting for!'” Caron said.
The film has taken top awards at festivals, including the Grand Remington at Houston WorldFest for Best Screenplay, Best Screenplay at the San Fernando International Film Festival, a Platinum Remington for Best Family Feature at WorldFest along with a Best Young Actor Critics Choice Award. It also received the Award of Merit for Family/Children Feature Films from the International Accolade Competition. The movie has an MPAA rating of PG, and has been approved by the Dove Foundation as suitable for all ages and faiths.
“Local public support for the film will give an advantage for a longer commercial run locally and potentially in theaters nationwide,” Fagan said. “All of us working together will encourage not only viewership, but possible movie projects in the future. Now more than ever it's important to help the community be welcoming to business, including the movie industry, encourage economic vitality, and promote investment in our region.”
The movie opens Friday with daily show times at 10:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:50 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Advanced tickets for the film are available at AMC and Fandango. See the preview online by visiting the Different Drummers Movie website.
