KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. The film makers behind last year’s hit movie “Phoenix, Oregon,” which was shot entirely in Klamath Falls, will have a special screening next weekend.
Ashland-based, JOMA films. filmed it in 2018 at Hanscam’s Bowling Center, The Daily Bagel and other locations in Klamath Falls.
It debuted in March last year at the beginning of the pandemic.
The filmmakers set up a new streaming platform, which allowed the film to qualify for domestic box office revenue in the country.
“Even though it’s a comedy, it is a story of redemption and getting a second chance at life and because of that, it’s very poignant for the community of Phoenix, Oregon,” Executive Director with Klamath Film, Kurt Liedtke, said. “This is a film that really can be celebrated by both Phoenix and Klamath Falls,” he added.
What makes Ashland so attractive as a movie-making location?
“The number one thing I always say makes Ashland special is that you can point your camera anywhere and get a great shot,” said Gary Kout, an Ashland-based film & video producer and co-founder of Film Southern Oregon. “The town, the surroundings, the whole area is just so beautiful and photogenic.”
Kout also praised the regional acting community, anchored by OSF and other regional and local theatre groups that provide on-camera talent for local productions.
“No other place this size and in the middle of nowhere can provide that,” Kout said. Meanwhile, many business owners, homeowners and other community members are “film-friendly” as Kout puts it, and excited to see their properties or businesses on the big screen.