Documentary film about Polson Theatres, Inc. opens April 26
David W. King photo
David W. King photo Gary and Becky Dupuis (left) and Ayron and Howard Pickerill (right), owners of Polson Theatres Inc, a chain of movie theaters in Montana and Idaho.
David W. King photo
Gary Dupuis changes a projector bulb, which is more hazardous than one might expect. Protective gear is necessary, in case the bulb is dropped and essentially explodes, sending shards of glass flying.
David W. King photo
Lydia and Tyler Dupuis, adult children of Becky and Gary Dupuis. Will either of them step up to take over Polson Theatres, Inc.?
David W. King photo
Filmmakers David and Jessica King at FLIC, the winter film festival they produce in Polson every February.
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News from David W. King Productions
Over the past few years, filmmakers David and Jessica King of Polson have produced three feature-length documentary films about legacy, family-run local businesses. The first, Burgers, Fries & Family Ties (2019), profiles Richwine’s Burgerville and is available on Amazon Prime Video and airs on MontanaPBS.
Their next project, Baked by Grace (2023) features Lake City Bakery, another family-owned business. The Kings’ latest film “A Theatre Near You” opens at Polson’s Showboat Stadium 6 on Friday, April 24.
A Theatre Near You, which has won multiple 2024 awards on the international film festival circuit, profiles the fun-loving, multi-generational family that owns and operates an independent theater chain that spans eight Montana and Idaho towns and presents films on 22 screens. Polson’s Howard Pickerill and his wife, Ayron have owned and operated Polson Theatres, Inc. for 52 years. Howard began his career as a teenager ushering at a Polson, Montana movie theater some 70 years ago. His daughter Becky Dupuis and her husband Gary Dupuis took over the regional chain’s day-to-day operations in 2013.
The idea for making A Theatre Near You was first suggested to David by Howard Pickerill when the two men ran into each other at Polson’s Lake City Bakery. David and Jessica thought there might be “something there.” King soon approached the Pickerills and Dupuis to propose that he and Jessica go ahead and produce an hour-long documentary film about their movie theater business and the family legacy behind it. It turned out to be fun, heartwarming project for all involved. King shares, “I learned how deep the love runs in this family and business. People come to work at Polson Theatres, Inc. and some never leave; they make a career out of entertaining others through cinema.”
During the film, in his commanding baritone voice, Howard Pickerill shares, “It is a business of faith. You have to have the faith. Otherwise, it just don’t work. That’s all there is to it.” As independent filmmakers, the Kings can relate. During any given year, they don’t know what they’ll be doing film production wise. “Each new year brings with it a new slate of paid work for various clients. And that work makes it possible for us to tackle more personal passion projects like A Theatre Near You.”
David King comments, “If you’ve lived in this region for a while, you’ll likely see people you know in this film. And, if you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of an independent theater chain, A Theatre Near You will provide a fun, nostalgic glimpse into that unique showbiz world and the people behind it.”
Jessica shares, “Movie theatres are a beloved storehouse of memories for all of us. It was a privilege to share the story of our hometown theatre and make our own memories. We look forward to making many more with our children at the theatre...or, as they like to call it, ‘Miss Becky’s house.’”
A Theatre Near You opens on Friday, April 24 at the Showboat Stadium 6, located at 416 Main Street in Polson. The film’s content is family friendly. All are welcome. For show times, visit PolsonTheatres.com.
