It was lights, camera, action last fall in downtown Fergus, which was used as the backdrop for the film Salem Falls.
The film will have its Fergus debut on Feb. 10 and 11 when Cherry Hill Entertainment, in conjunction with the Fergus Grand Theatre, will feature two free screenings of the film.
“It’s a good way to give back to the community,” said George Mochrie, owner of Cherry Hill Entertainment. “We figured the movie was a great opportunity for local businesses. We want to show it at the theatre and make it a community event.”
Mochrie explained Salem Falls has only aired in the United States on Lifetime TV and will not be available in Canada until Feb. 14.
The movie, based on the best-selling book by author Jodi Picoult, features actors James Van Der Beek (Dawson’s Creek), Sarah Carter (Falling Skies) and Amanda Michalka (The Lovely Bones, Super 8).
The story revolves around former teacher Jack McBradden, who moves to Salem Falls after a student’s crush led to false accusations and a wrongful conviction for sexual assault. He finds a job and settles into a new routine, but everything turns when a trio of teenage girls with dark secrets maliciously target Jack with accusations of assaulting Gillian. Now at the center of a modern day witch-hunt, Jack must once again proclaim his innocence to a town searching for answers and the woman who has come to love him.
“It’s a made-for-television movie,” Mochrie said. “I would suggest it is for a PG-13 audience.”
Filming took place along the river behind the Fergus Grand Theatre, at the Black and White Restaurant, the former downtown OPP station and inside a main street store.
“Fergus looks pretty amazing in the film when you see it on screen … I think people who see it would want to come here. It’s great for tourism.”
Salem Falls plays at the Fergus Grand Theatre on Feb. 10 and 11 at 7pm. Admission is free on a first come, first served basis. Cherry Hill Entertainment will have copies of the film for rent on Feb. 14 and for purchase April 17.
