Prof's movie premieres

Siouxland makes its big screen debut in the feature-length film, The Prairie Pirates, which sets sail at Holland Plaza Theatre in Orange City March 16-22. This "comedy with a heart," written and directed by Northwestern College communication studies professor Jamey Durham, features towns and residents in the Siouxland area.

This family-friendly comedy is about pirates coming to Iowa to bury their treasure. "Iowa is the perfect hiding spot for a pirate’s treasure," says Durham. "Who would think of looking for a pirate’s treasure in Iowa?" No one, except for a group of kids who stumble onto a treasure map. On their quest the kids must rely on their faith and wits to search for the treasure.

Their search leads them to the yard of Mrs. Meanly Greenly, played by Northwestern theatre professor Karen Barker. "The film was a community-wide effort with over 100 people involved in some way," says Durham. The kids starring in the film are Durham’s own children, as well as the children of Mike Anderson, lecturer in communication studies. "I like to say I made the ultimate family film because my whole family is in it," says Durham.

Durham adds, "The entire family will enjoy the film and parents will especially appreciate seeing the kids in the movie learning what it means to make good choices and sacrifice for the good of others."

Following its debut at the Holland Plaza, The Prairie Pirates will show at the Promenade Cinema 14 in Sioux City March 23-29. Durham is also entering the movie in film festivals.

View movie trailer