×

‘Northbound’ movie premiere Saturday at IM’s Braumart

UP-based sci-fi series moves into ‘The Final Chapter’

(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo) Film creators have planned a red-carpet premiere of “Northbound: The Final Chapter,” on Saturday at The Braumart Theatre in downtown Iron Mountain. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the screening at 7 p.m. Co-creator Seth Anderson, right, and associate producer Faye Mannon-Rahoi get ready for the event at the Braumart.

IRON MOUNTAIN — It’s an end of an era for the Upper Peninsula-based science fiction series “Northbound.”

The creators will celebrate completion of a feature-length film with a world premiere of “Northbound: The Final Chapter” on Saturday at The Braumart Theatre in downtown Iron Mountain. Doors to the red-carpet event open at 6 p.m., with the screening at 7 p.m.

Evening highlights will include a special appearance by Los Angeles-based actor Dan Klass of “X-Files,” “The Pretender,” and “Chicago Hope,” who came into the project in 2018; a red carpet photo op area; a display of costume, prop and memorabilia from the film; showcase of photographs from the production; and exclusive merchandise, along with special themed drinks, wine, beer and concessions.

“It will be like a real world premiere event,” co-creator Seth Anderson said. “We are excited and can’t wait for the audience to see what can be done right here in the U.P.”

“Since it’s a premiere, people can have fun with it and dress up to walk the red carpet,” added Associate Producer Faye Mannon-Rahoi, noting they will have tents and heaters outside as well.

(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo) Seth Anderson and Faye Mannon-Rahoi help advertise Saturday’s premiere of “Northbound: The Final Chapter” at The Braumart Theatre in Iron Mountain.

The “Northstar” saga was created by Anderson and his brother, Nathan, along with Jason Hagen. In 2014, the team began to film the proof of concept footage for a feature film called “Northstar,” which they were trying to sell to Los Angeles.

“That proved to be so good, we decided to dig in and start working with this community,” Anderson said.

Utilizing local talent, “Northbound” is a post-apocalyptic digital series filmed entirely in the U.P., focusing on Dickinson County.

Set in a future American wilderness, the series tells the story of a small community that works to unravel the mystery behind a cataclysmic event that killed millions in a single day. The group of hardened survivors mounts a daring counter-offensive against a rival militia that will reshape the country’s future.

“‘The Final Chapter’ is the conclusion to the series — answering key questions from the first two (seasons),” Anderson said, also hinting it sets the stage for the next phase of the “Northstar Saga.”

The team began to shoot this chapter in late 2018. “In 2019, they had a big production period — then COVID happened,” he said.

“That put a lot on the back burner,” Mannon-Rahoi added.

In 2022, Anderson said it was “do or die,” as they shot almost every weekend from May through December, wrapping up a year ago.

Anderson expressed his appreciation for all the actors and crew that worked through the past five years.

“If we didn’t have a pandemic, we probably could have came out in 2021, because we have such a dedicated group,” he said.

“It was difficult for Seth because we had to schedule all these people who also had their everyday jobs,” she said, adding about 30 to 50 volunteers were involved in the production.

Due to the availability of actors or timing, the team had to make some adjustments that led to storyline changes. “I think it made it stronger,” Mannon-Rahoi said.

Along with Klass, New York-based actress Molly Leland of “NCIS” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” joined the cast last year. “She integrated into it very well,” Anderson said.

Anderson’s goal was to make a feature-length film, which is typically is more than 80 minutes. He accomplished that dream with “The Final Chapter” clocking in at 90 minutes.

Anderson believes the whole project proves it can be done in a small town. “This has set the stage for even bigger film productions in the area,” he said.

“The film also shows off the beauty of the local communities and how the downtown has grown,” Mannon-Rahoi said. “This will hopefully draw more people to the area.”

Those interested in seeing the film but who missed the first two seasons will get a recap before the screening Saturday. The Braumart’s website at https://www.thebraumart.org also has a link to watch the series on Seeka TV.

“We are excited to unveil the ‘Final Chapter’ — it’s been quite a journey,” he said.

Co-creators Seth Anderson and Hagen, along with Mannon-Rahoi, will answer questions after the viewing.

The public is also welcome to check out the lobby displays all week. In addition, the crew plans to offer a student filmmaking workshop Sunday to a limited number of children ages 7 to 12 who attend the premiere.

“One of Seth’s goals back when I met him was to extend the capability of the theatre in Iron Mountain,” Mannon-Rahoi said.

“We will break a scene down from the film, talking about all the components that go into it,” said Anderson, adding actor Klass will be present for the workshop as well.

Tickets for the premiere of “Northbound: The Final Chapter” are $12 and can be purchased online or at The Braumart, Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce, Moose Jackson and True North Outpost in Norway.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

Starting at $2.99/week.

Subscribe Today