'It's the movie we intended to make': 'Finestkind' producer shares New Bedford film update

Seth Chitwood, Standard-Times
·2 min read

NEW BEDFORD – Since filming in June 2022, the New Bedford-set feature film “Finestkind” finally eyes a fall 2023 release date.

“I can tell you that we’re going to premiere the movie in September, and release it theatrically in October,” said Gary Foster, producer. “I can't give you dates. I can't get the details. But that's pretty much the game plan.”

"Finestkind" follows two brothers from opposite sides of the tracks, who are reunited as adults over one fateful summer. When desperate circumstances force them to strike a deal with a dangerous Boston crime syndicate, a young woman finds herself caught in the middle.

Along the way, sacrifices must be made, and bonds between brothers, friends and a father and his son are put to the test. The film was acquired last year by Paramount+ and will also stream on its platform.

Toby Wallace, left, and Jenna Ortega, right, in the upcoming film 'Finestkind.'
Toby Wallace, left, and Jenna Ortega, right, in the upcoming film 'Finestkind.'

“We're really pleased with it. It's good. It's the movie we intended to make,” Foster said, adding that New Bedford native and Oscar-winning director Brian Helgeland did an amazing job from top to bottom. “Everybody really did a fabulous job, and the world will tell us in September what they think.”

New Bedford premiere planned for September 2023

The film stars Ben Foster (“Hell and High Water”) and Toby Wallace (“Pistol”) alongside Tim Daily ("Madam Secretary"); Jenna Ortega ("You") and Lolita Davidovich ("Hollywood Homicide") and Oscar-winner Tommy Lee Jones.

FILMING: 'We've been waiting for this': 'Finestkind' filming finally makes its way into New Bedford

Foster said it has been exciting to especially see Ortega’s career skyrocket since filming with the release of both Netflix’s “Wednesday” and the reboot of “Scream.”

“[At the time of casting] we hadn’t seen anything of ‘Wednesday’. Although Tim Burton called me when we were thinking of casting her and telling me and Brian not to hesitate, that she's incredible,” Foster said.

Gary Foster, middle, producer of 'Finestkind.'
Gary Foster, middle, producer of 'Finestkind.'

“We had this inclination that she'd have a great year. Bottom line is she was amazing in her auditions and was perfect for the part.”

After 35 days of filming - and 22 days in the New Bedford area - "Finestkind" completed filming its last day on June 7, with its final scene on the Fairhaven-New Bedford bridge.

Scenes were also shot in Fairhaven harbor, downtown New Bedford, Custom House Square and in a residential area of the North End.

More: The Baker to open new restaurant in Fairhaven. Here's what we know.

“We’re excited for the New Bedford community to see the film. We’re very proud of it,” Foster said, adding that the September screening and premier in New Bedford will be exciting.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports.Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: 'Finestkind' New Bedford-set movie to be released in September 2023