Courtesy Photo Movie poster for “Wild Faith Christmas.”

According to a press release from Collective Development Inc. production and Dreamscape Productions LLC, “Wild Faith Christmas,” a western themed Christmas movie filmed in Alpena, debuted on Thursday at the Sanctuary Cinema in Alpena.

The release states that the film is directed by Shane Hagedorn, who stars as Emmett Murphy and serves as editor and co-producer, and is set in the late 1800s. The story picks up after the events of the original “Wild Faith” film, following Emmett and his father-in-law delivering donated goods to a small church sheltering orphans during the holiday season. The film is written by DJ Perry, according to the release.

The release states that the film includes themes of “western resilience” and “faith, family, and redemption.” Actors featured in the film include Melissa Anschutz, DJ Perry, Christine Marie, and local Alpena talents which include Matt Southwell, as Doctor W.C. Porter, David Usher, as Preacher McMillan, and Joey Lanier, as Will Porter.

The production’s 2024 shoot in Alpena filmed key scenes inside the Spratt Church at Besser Museum and a custom-built mine in Hubbard Lake. These scenes involved about 60 cast and crew members, plus 20 local extras. The production highlighted community collaboration, featuring six young Alpena actors, four of whom were from the Alpena Civic Theatre.

“This is the second feature that we came to film in Alpena. It’s beautiful. Beautiful people, wonderful locations,” Shane Hagedorn, director, said in the press release. “The Besser Museum has wonderfully partnered with us in helping tell these stories. Some of these buildings don’t exist anywhere anymore. Alpena does have a lot of history, and historical buildings. Just having the town embrace us and really welcome us made it an easy, easy decision to come back and film this one.”

Tony Hornus, producer and actor, mirrored Hagedorn’s assessment of Alpena.

“I love Alpena,” Hornus said in the release. “I could actually live here.”

According to the release, the film earned 14 nominations at its world premiere and won for best director, best actor, best actress, best child actor, and best child actress.

“We’re thrilled to launch ‘Wild Faith Christmas’ in Alpena, the heart of its creation,” DJ Perry, writer and producer, said in the release. “From the dedicated local crew to the inspiring backdrops, this community’s energy shines through every scene. These awards from The Wild Bunch Film Festival honor that shared passion, and premiering here is a homecoming celebration of unity and holiday hope.”

Sanctuary Cinema will host screenings starting tonight through Nov. 20. Tickets are available online at alpenamovies.com. For showtimes and reservations, visit the website or call 989-340-0314.