Printer Friendly Version - 'Northern Shade,' an Indie Film with Branford Ties, Premieres July 7 in New Haven

Northern Shade, and award-winning indie film with scenes shot in Branford by filmmakers who grew up Branford, premieres Thursday, July 7 at the Bow Tie Criterion Cinema in New Haven at 8 p.m. This still from the movie shows a scene featuring actor Jesse Gavin at Stony Creek Quarry. A dramatic fire scene was also shot in the quarry (see next photo).Image Courtesy Christopher Rucinski

Northern Shade, an award-winning indie film with scenes shot in Branford by filmmakers who grew up Branford, premieres Thursday, July 7 at the Bow Tie Criterion Cinema in New Haven at 8 p.m. Two additional screenings are set for Thursday, July 14 at 8 p.m. and Thursday, July 21 at 8 p.m. at the cinema, located at 86 Temple St. in New Haven.

Following every screening, fans and friends can get in on the live Q & A with the movie's writer/producer/director Christopher Rucinski, a Branford native, and other members of the creative team.

Northern Shade's co-producer/military advisor Kyle A. Berg is also a Branford native as well as an Army veteran (Operation Enduring Freedom- War in Afghanistan) who's experiences partly inspired the movie, said Rucinski. Additionally, Northern Shade cinematographer Greg Gill grew up in Branford. Rucinski and Gill are alumni of the Branford High School Class of 2004.

"Cinematographer Greg Gill and I have been dreaming about making a feature film back home in Branford for as long as we've been making movies," said Rucinski, who now lives in California. "All the local support we had was amazing. We were able to film at the Stony Creek Quarry, Trolley Musuem, Quinnipiac River, ZuWalick Sawmill and many other locations in Connecticut that are often over-looked. We can't wait to premiere in New Haven!"

With the help and guidance of Branford Fire Department and Stony Creek Vol. Rescue Fire Co. 5, Rucinski filmed a controlled truck burn in the quarry which crafted a memorable and dramatic scene. Read more about the local locations and folks involved in shooting Northern Shade in this area in Zip06/The Sound's 2021 interview with Rucinski here

Northern Shade had its east coast premiere at RiverRun Film Festival in North Carolina. The film won Best Screenplay at Phoenix Film Festival in Arizona and Best Feature at Poppy Jasper Film Festival in California.

Look for Northern Shade's new movie trailer (coming soon) to be posted on Instagram @northernshademovie

Bow Tie Criterion Cinema is located at 86 Temple St., New Haven. Tickets for July 7, 14 and 21 screenings, $10 each, are available for purchase at the theater in advance via VENMO @northernshade. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. on show nights, concessions available.

With the help and guidance of Branford Fire Department and Stony Creek Vol. Rescue Fire Co. 5, this controlled truck burn in Stony Creek Quarry was crafted into memorable and dramatic scene in 'Northern Shade.'Image Courtesy Christopher Rucinski

A movie poster for the July 7 premiere of Northern Shade, screening at the Bow Tie Criterion Cinema in New Haven.Image Courtesy Christopher Rucinski