Colony grad stars in ‘Peaks & Valleys’

WASILLA — Colony High School and University of Alaska Anchorage graduate Kitty Mahoney stars in BurnHouse Pictures’ new feature film, “Peaks & Valleys,” to be previewed at the Glenn Massay Theater next weekend.

Written by Michael B. Dillon and directed by Michael Burns (“Proper Binge,” 2015), “Peaks & Valleys” follows Jack, a hard nosed man of few words who wants nothing more than to be left in alone, played by Kevin Bennett (“The Frozen Ground,” 2013). But the seclusion of his remote cabin is shattered with the sound of an incoming plane. Unexpected guests would be bad enough, but bombing his lake with a body wrapped in plastic is just plain rude, he thinks — especially when that body isn’t dead yet.

In a fleeting act of death defying heroism, Jack fishes the young Bailey (Mahoney) from the grip of death. He is then faced with the uncomfortable responsibility of aiding the timid girl back to health.

Bailey’s had a tough run — so tough, in fact, that she has no memory of what a life without drugs, beatings and degradation even feels like. But she’s about to learn.

Trapped in the Alaskan wild, Bailey has no choice but to get clean. Through all the pain and anguish, the only one she has to turn to for support is Jack and his grizzly demeanor.

Excitement for the project has proven instantly contagious, leading to local investors excitedly funding the film’s modest budget, as well as attracting some amazing Alaskan talent. It’s also gaining nods from other successful filmmakers across the state, including the team behind 2015’s “Moose: The Movie,” from Tundra Comics creator Chad Carpenter.

Alaskans can get a special first look at “Peaks & Valleys” before a 6:30 p.m. screening of “Moose” at the Glenn Massay Theater on Saturday, Oct. 22. The event is a fundraiser for the Carpenter brothers’ next feature film, “Sudsy Slim Rides Again.”

Follow “Peaks & Valleys” on Facebook @peaksandvalleysmovie.