The \u201cSerum Run\u201d of 1925 is the subject of the new independent motion picture release \u201cThe Great Alaskan Race,\u201d releasing Oct. 25 from P12 Films. The film recounts a deadly diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska where the only means of getting antitoxin was through dog sledding led by dog breeder, trainer and racer Leonhard “Sepp” Seppala.<\/p>\n
Actor Brian Presley portrays Seppala and also served as a first-time director and writer for the production. He was warned it was an ambitious first project but proceeded with a vision for the story.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started working on this project over nine years ago,\u201d he said. \u201cI had everybody in town tell me there’s no way you’re ever going to make this movie, especially being a first-time director. There’s no way you can be in front of the camera as well, with dogs, kids, even bears, 12,000 feet (above sea level) in a period piece. But, you know, persistence pays off. And I knew in my heart of hearts, I could tell this story and just never gave up on that.\u201d<\/p>\n
To that end, Presley credits a lot of preparation in getting the film done, including selecting the town for shooting and keeping the pre-production start date in mind to keep from missing the winter months for shooting. Presley did a test shoot with the dogs and then cut a trailer from the test shoot, which was able to get the film greenlit.<\/p>\n
\u201cHalf the battle is having all your ducks in a row and then having a game plan to execute it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The actor-turned-director, who previously appeared in projects such as \u201cTransporter: Mechanic,\u201d \u201cTouchback\u201d and \u201cHome of the Brave,\u201d was driven by what he felt was a calling to deliver an inspirational project to theaters.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe gift that I have is to tell stories, inspirational stories\u2014not necessarily faith based \u2014but stories that can bridge a faith audience and secular audience around stories of hope, stories that show flawed human overcoming unimaginable obstacles. That\u2019s something I can relate to.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also believes there should be more entertainment, like \u201cThe Great Alaskan Race,\u201d that is geared toward families, \u201cstories of hope and stories of truth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s enough in the world today that can make people feel bad,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Presley also wanted to highlight some of the \u201cforgotten heroes,\u201d which included the dogs, some of whom made the 700-mile journey in the subzero temperatures. The fact that the dogs and sled drivers were able to make the journey was nothing short of miraculous, he believes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no explanation other than they were being guided by a higher power,\u201d he said. \u201cI really wanted to show visually in the movie, how small they are compared to the environment in the world they\u2019re traveling in. It relates to how small we are in this grand universe and how big God is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joining Presley on this inspirational journey are veteran actors Treat Williams (\u201cHair,\u201d \u201cEverwood\u201d) as Dr. Welch and Brad Leland (\u201cFriday Night Lights,\u201d \u201cDeepwater Horizon\u201d) as Mayor Maynard. Presley thought the two opposite personalities would provide an entertaining \u201ccontrast.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted the mayor to feel like, kind of everybody’s grandpa, just to have that tough presence,\u201d he said. \u201cHe may have been a musher in his day and work the mines, not afraid to get his hands dirty. I wanted to have a little bit of a contrast with him and the doctor who wanted the doctor to have an Ivy League feel, have a medical feel, but also have that warmth, kind of like everybody’s father. Treat possessed all of those qualities. And the two of them together are great.\u201d<\/p>\n
Additional cast members include Bruce Davison (\u201cX-Men,\u201d \u201cThe Crucible\u201d) as Governor Bone, James Russo (\u201cDjango Unchained,\u201d \u201cDonnie Brasco\u201d) as Wild Bill, and Henry Thomas \u201cE.T.,\u201d \u201cLegends of the Fall\u201d) as Thompson.<\/p>\n
\u201cI grew up watching Henry Thomas,\u201d he said. \u201cI mean to have Elliot from \u2018E.T.,\u2019 who I remember from elementary school, it was just so great. He’s been a part of so many films that have inspired me over the years. It was an honor to have him come be in the first film I directed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond the inspiring story, the backstory of the film is also compelling. Presley said he intends to split proceeds with five worthy charitable organizations, including \u201cHope is Alive,\u201d an addiction recovery program, Pastor Craig Johnson\u2019s \u201cChampions Club\u201d for special needs children, \u201cBattle Dawgs,\u201d a program pairing war veterans with service dogs, and organizations that cares for dogsledding dogs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want people to enjoy the movie and enjoy the experience and, just the true miracle that this story is,\u201d he said. \u201cI think it’s just an added bonus to know by coming into enjoy this movie you\u2019re also helping change lives with these organizations that we’re giving to.\u201d<\/p>\n