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Press release from the makers of “Where the Heart Lies”:

This Wednesday, May 29th, the Humboldt community is invited to a special screening at the Minor Theatre to honor the life and legacy of Hunter Lewis through the short film Where the Heart Lies directed by Brianna Chapman. Get your tickets at www.minortheatre.com before they sell out. All proceeds go towards submitting the film to festivals.

Hunter, a 21-year-old from Humboldt County, was known for his boundless energy and adventurous spirit. He meticulously planned an elaborate treasure hunt for his friends and family, reflecting his love for challenges and the outdoors. Tragically, Hunter went missing during a solo canoe trip to hide the final treasure, just off Trinidad State Beach, a place he cherished since childhood.

Brianna dedicated her Chapman University senior thesis project to sharing Hunter’s legacy. The two years of preparation for this ambitious travel shoot led up to just one week of filming in Humboldt, which Brianna described as “magical.” “The connection, love, and community forged during production exceeded everything I dreamed of. The cast, crew, and greater community united with Hunter’s spirit and created something beautiful.” Her co-executive producer and director of photography, David Murillo Galiano, expressed that “as a filmmaker, you hope to one day be a part of a project like this, where you can put your heart and soul into something you know people care deeply about, and I hope audiences feel the love and care we all put into this film.”

Co-executive producers David Murillo Galiano & Brianna Chapman on set at Moonstone Beach

The film was shot over six days in March 2024, with a crew of Humboldt locals as well as several key members from Southern California. The outdoor filming locations included Trinidad State Beach, Moonstone, and the Arcata Community Forest, which immersed the crew in Humboldt’s beautiful landscape and imparted a sense of adventure akin to Hunter’s real life treasure hunt. From hanging a camera 25 feet in the air for a rock climbing scene, to lighting a redwood forest at night, the crew was pushed out of their comfort zone to film in conditions unlike traditional Hollywood soundstages.

Sean Lindsey, the 1st AC and a close friend of Hunter’s, reflected that “it was a challenge for everyone to shoot this film on unforgiving outdoor terrain. We had so much necessary gear to haul over long distances to our shooting locations. We worked tirelessly, but passionately, ‘cause we were all doing this to honor Hunter. It was a labor of love. No challenge could overcome the drive within ourselves to make this film.”

Two of the shooting days were spent at Hunter’s childhood home, graciously offered by Hunter’s father Corey, who supported the project from its inception. “As Hunter’s father I could feel the love all the cast and crew have for my son and his story with all the pieces of my broken heart. It was a powerfully healing process.”

The cast and crew were bonded by this powerful love. Finn Mackimmie, the actor portraying Hunter, never got to meet him in person, but says he “got to know him through the memories and words of his closest people.” He said: “The amount of love felt for Hunter by the cast and crew was so palpable and his spirit was undeniably felt by everybody. He touched and transformed each and everyone of us and I hope this film does the same for anyone who watches it.”

Corey Lewis, Hunter’s father, on set with Alexandra Boulas, the actress portraying Hunter’s girlfriend Kinsley Rolph

The screening this Wednesday will be an emotional homecoming, bringing together friends, family, and community members to honor Hunter’s memory. Join us to celebrate the life and legacy of Hunter Lewis, a true adventurer whose spirit will forever be a part of Humboldt County.

Hunter’s father Corey said: “Many of us in Humboldt County have lost loved ones to the ocean and rivers that we love. This film and cast and crew shares our grief and our inspiration to live large like Hunter in the most beautiful way. I hope it will connect you to your lost loved ones.”

Note: The film will screen at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Check The Minor’s website for showtimes and to buy tickets.