We’re less than two weeks away from a world premiere film event in Appleton, Wis.
You read that correctly. It’s good to have good friends in the right places.
“The Runners,” an action film featuring Golden Globe nominated Tom Sizemore, will make its premiere on July 14 during a special event at Dairyland Brewpub. The film also features Neal McCoy, Glenn Morshower, Micah Lyons and Joey Loomis. It’s set in Texas and focuses on the sex trafficking industry.
Appleton actor Dan Davies, who has a supporting role as the SWAT commander, pulled some strings to give his hometown a big debut event.
“It’s cool to beat out L.A. and Dallas and have a premiere in Appleton, Wisconsin,” he said. “It’s a feather in our cap.”
The evening will offer more than a movie.
The red carpet night starts with live music. Singer-songwriter Kal Schimmers will open the event with Strategic performing from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Amelia Ford, a 2018 finalist in the NashNext competition, will perform from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
The $25 ticket price also includes appetizers and wings, a drink at the bar and popcorn during the film.
The independent film will open theatrically in 20 countries, although due to the covid-19 situation, the United States isn’t among them. The film will reach viewers here via video on demand.
The Dairyland event will emphasize safety. Tickets are limited to 80 to ensure proper spacing. The film will show on television screens in addition to a 5×8 screen.
It was shot in Texas and Los Angeles. Davies expressed some pride in the project without giving away any spoilers.
“It has a cool message to it,” he said. “It has a nonprofit involved and there’s some star power.”
The event will benefit nonprofit Compassionate Home Health Care.
The night will also serve as an appetizer for another big film event that’s on its way.
The Film Forte, home to the second annual National Independent Film Association Awards, returns to Appleton on Sept. 10-13. Legendary country artist Randy Travis and actor Gary Busey are expected to be on hand. Tracy Reiner, daughter of Penny Marshall, will accept a lifetime achievement award on her mother’s behalf. Award winners Dewey Bunnell, co-founder of the folk rock group, America; John Voldstad, who portrayed Darryl on the TV show, Newhart, and The Black Donnellys from Dublin, Ireland are also slated to be in Appleton for the event.
Reservations to “The Runners” premiere can be made by calling Dairyland Brewpub at 920-903-9708.
In a year void of events, Davies is excited to bring people together in a responsible manner to share something.
“We deserve to stretch our legs a little bit in a safe, clean environment,” he said.
