Feature film made in Mansfield area on bullying to premiere Nov. 3 at Crossroads

"The Final Contestant," a feature film that began production in and around the Mansfield area earlier this year, is set to premiere on Nov. 3 at 5:30 p.m., at Crossroads Church on Park Avenue West.

The motion picture, which bears a heavy focus on bullying awareness, will premiere at Crossroads on Park Avenue West in Mansfield.

More: Former boxing champ Buster Douglas says he was bullied as a kid

A Heart of Ohio Films production, "The Final Contestant" was written by Kelby King from Mansfield and boasts a diverse cast of both professional and local actors. “My vision for this movie was to shed light on bullying across all ages,” King said. “I’ve been bullied. Most of us have.”

This emotional, yet comical, film centers around a middle-aged woman whose family-owned business is robbed, leaving her desperate to save it despite her recent divorce from her sharp-tongued husband, Cole. Norah turns to her hometown for help, and plans for a city-wide talent show begin. The news attracts the attention of two young, talented performers (Breckelle Miller and Melakyi Joseph) who in tandem face the harsh reality of bullying. Emotions soar, yet all three individuals find the courage to look past the bullying, and ultimately, find the grace and inner-healing necessary to take their personal power back, King said.

Heart of Ohio Films, which is owned by King and Kimberly Miller of Mansfield, filmed scenes at several businesses in the Mansfield area this past February.

Golden Poppy on Lexington Avenue opened its doors and allowed the production crew to film a scene in which the characters vandalized the inside of the store.

“I was nervous to ask any store if we could use their space for the movie, and then on top of that, completely trash it,” King said. “Golden Poppy was surprisingly very supportive of the idea.”

King edited the movie to include Golden Poppy into the storyline. “We have always hoped Golden Poppy would be about more than just finding the right outfit or gift, but a space for community and creativity,” said Caitlin Carr, the owner of Golden Poppy.

Film sites included Crestline hardware store, Crestline, Mansfield schools

Several other Mansfield locations were instrumental in the filming of "The Final Contestant," including Buckeye Imagination Museum, Braintree Business Development Center, Deja Food Eatery, Mansfield Senior High School and WMFD TV.

Heart of Ohio Films had great success outside of Mansfield as well. Holcker Hardware in Crestline opened its doors on the final day of filming for a pivotal scene in the movie. Likewise, Crestline Exempted Village School District was used for multiple scenes throughout the movie. Both Mansfield and Crestline school systems understood and supported our mission:  to spread awareness about bullying, she added.

Heart of Ohio Films worked with Little Chicago Pictures out of Louisville, Kentucky, who directed and produced the movie. “Little Chicago Pictures was amazing to work with and brought their own ideas to the film,” King said. “They put a lot of creative camera work into the film and added to the comedy, which helps lift the heaviness on a sensitive subject.”

The film company also partnered with David Kirst, a well-known filmmaker in Mansfield, as well as Kyle Back of Mansfield, who was the film’s digital effects editor.

"Mansfield has mad talent and our local actors and crew complemented those coming into Mansfield from other states. We truly had so much support, even from our executive producers. Their generosity and support has been crucial and they will be honored and thanked at our premiere, and then after,” King said.

Miller said she is so proud of the hard work and dedication from everyone involved in the movie's production.

"Bullying awareness is a relevant topic as 1 in 3 children and teens have been bullied in some way. One goal for this film following the premiere is to have a 40-minute version that focuses solely on the child and teen bullying storyline," Miller said. "We hope to make this available to schools and organizations across the country to educate, inspire and bring awareness to this epidemic happening in every community in America," she added.

The film premieres Nov. 3

Seating capacity at Crossroads is approximately 1,000 and a big turnout is expected.

Former heavyweight boxing champion James “Buster” Douglas of Columbus will attend the VIP portion of the premiere and will be available for red carpet pictures as well as a meet and greet. "Buster Douglas told us he wants to knock out bullying, just like he knocked out Mike Tyson 33 years ago,” King said.

Tickets to the premiere of The Final Contestant are available on eventbrite.com and include both general admission and VIP options. “My hope for this movie is two-fold,” states King. “I hope the individuals who feel powerful by bullying watch this movie and feel weak, realizing their actions don’t define their victims, and, individuals who are bullied recognize that they have the strength to heal and overcome it.”

Doors open for VIP ticket holders at 5:30 p.m.; general admission is at 6 p.m.

lwhitmir@gannett.com

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: 'The Final Contestant,' cast includes Breckelle Miller, Melakyi Joseph