Grand Canyon film to benefit Friends of Vicksburg Military Park

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Strand Theatre will host a cinematic feature to benefit The Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park Saturday, July 11 beginning at 7 p.m.

The Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign is partnering with Granite Rapids Moon, LLC; and the Strand Theatre to present the family-friendly film “Granite Rapids Moon,” which was shot by a crew carrying gear across 82 miles of Grand Canyon trails, with National Park Service oversight. The film is the first narrative feature ever to shoot the majority of its footage inside the Grand Canyon.

Proceeds from the screening at the Strand will benefit The Friends of Vicksburg.

In the film, a happily married father of two, shaken by a message written in a birthday card for his daughter, abruptly leaves his family for a week-long trek through the Grand Canyon. As we follow his solo hike, we see his memories of an earlier trip through the Grand Canyon with a different woman. The film’s trailer may be viewed at GraniteRapidsMoon.com.

Shot with only the equipment that a cast and crew of eight could carry on two 41-mile hikes (one in 20-degree December and one in 95-degree June), The family-friendly romantic drama contains no nudity, sex, guns, violence, drugs, or strong profanity. Written and directed by Kenneth Cran, the film stars Brit Morgan (True Blood, Riverdale, Supergirl), John Charles Meyer (Mom, Vampire Diaries), Susan Papa, Etienne Eckert, Micah Cohen, KylieRae Condon, and Missi Pyle (Gone Girl, Galaxy Quest, Captain Fantastic).

Writer/director Cran says, “With Granite Rapids Moon, I hope some of the people who just make it to the rim and take a photo will see that the Grand Canyon is much more than a photo op; it’s a place of epic sublimity that has changed and shaped people and their stories.” After the film, Cran will participate in a Zoom Q&A. “It’s always fun for our audience when they are able to “meet” the director and ask questions about the film they just saw,” according to Daniel Boone, film programmer for the Strand.

Ten percent of the film’s profits will be donated to Grand Canyon Conservancy, Leave No Trace, and Plastic Free Restaurants; additionally, a portion of ticket sales at specific events will also benefit non-profits local to the area. Boone recommended the Friends of Vicksburg to the filmmakers as an appropriate partner, “because of the Park Service connection.”

Bess Averett, Executive Director of the The Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign, will be at the Strand to introduce the film and explain the mission of her organization, which is a 501 (c) (3) that works to protect Vicksburg’s historic landscape by saving battlefield land from commercial development and ensuring its availability for education and interpretation. They connect students, families, and lifelong learners to the history of Vicksburg. From immersive “soldier for a day” tours to expanded Junior Ranger and Ranger-in-Training programs, they spark curiosity and build future stewards. The Friends restore the battlefield’s historic character and interpretive resources.

About the film, Bess said, “In this anniversary year for our nation, there is no better time to celebrate America’s best idea — the National Park System. This film showcases the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, one of our country’s most beloved national parks, and invites viewers to connect, as with all National Parks, with the landscapes, stories, and shared heritage that define the American experience. We hope you will join us.”

Advance tickets will be $9 at Highway 61 Coffeehouse and online at https://www.simpletix.com/…/friends-of-vicksburg… Tickets will be $10 at the door.

The Strand Theatre is located at 717 Clay Street. And of course, the popcorn will be free.