Local filmmakers premiering homegrown film ‘Peaks and Valleys’ at Valley Cinema (copy)

WASILLA — Valley filmmaking duo Michael Burns and Michael Dillon are overjoyed their homegrown, Alaskan thriller is hitting the big screen thanks to an unique opportunity provided by Coming Attractions Theatres.

“It’s great to know they’re confident in the film and it’s a great partnership,” Burns said.

“Peaks and Valleys” is making its theatrical release at the Valley Cinema in Wasilla, also screening in Kenai starting Friday, June 19.

“These opportunities, they don’t happen, especially for independent films,” Dillon said. “They offered us a heck of an opportunity.”

Coming Attractions told Burns and Dillon if the film is well received, they would be willing to extend the run and offer the film in other locations in the Lower 48 once they reopened.

“It’s very unique circumstances that played a role in this special whirlwind,” Burns said.

Currently, the two Alaskan locations are the only theatres in operation across the chain.

“We wouldn’t be where we are... without the community here in Alaska,” Dillon said. “They’re going to determine how far it goes.”

Since no new movies are coming out, there’s no new releases to see, but there’s an array of classic movies and recent releases to view. Currently, all movies at Valley Cinema are just $5.

The COVID-19 has been a strain across the globe, but the lull in theater and film production has allowed a rare chance for “Peaks and Valleys,” allowing an unprecedented amount of new eyes and proper debut to the big screen.

“It’s a struggle to find positivity in all this... you gotta grab onto it. It’s an opportunity we’ll never get again,” Dillon said.

Dillon said this is a chase to show off Alaska’s small yet talented pool of actors, filmmakers and other creators, which is all showcased in their film.

“We’ve got some amazing talent up here,” Dillon said

Plus,” Dillon said with a laugh. “ it’s gonna be the only new movie you’re gonna see this weekend.”

After three years of production shot mostly in Mat-Su Valley, “Peaks and Valleys”, Burns and Dillon held a “sneak peek” screening with the community at the Glenn Massay Theater in April of 2019.

After the theater run, “Peaks and Valleys” will be available for purchase online.

Showtimes for the test screening is set for three shows a day starting Friday and wrapping up on Sunday.

For more information about “Peaks & Valleys,” visit facebook.com/peaksandvalleysmovie

For showtimes, call Valley Cinema at 907-357-3000 or visit catheatres.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com