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Screenwriter Craig MacLachlan has completed the final draft of his film, “Sunshine Girl,” a project based on the real-life story of his late wife, Tina. The film tells Tina’s life journey as she navigates a stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis at the age of 13, and stage 4 metastatic breast cancer at the age of 44. The film dives into the abusive relationship Tina had with her mother, as well as an insight into her life and marriage to her high school sweetheart, Craig.

MacLachlan, a Thompson Falls native, has spent the last year working on the final draft of, “Sunshine Girl,” with a projected filming date of Sept. 25, 2021. “The final draft of ‘Sunshine Girl’ is completed, though there will undoubtedly be some tweaks that are bound to happen once we near the filming date,” MacLachlan said. In the process of finishing up the film’s final draft, MacLachlan has secured several filming sites in Sanders County, including The Lodge at Trout Creek and the Rex Community Theater.

Collaborating with MacLachlan on his film and working toward their endeavor of joining the community with the arts, the Rex Community Theater board members feel this is one step closer to that goal. “Since the inception of the new Rex theater project team, one of our biggest desires has been to bring the vibrance back to the theater and see it buzzing with community members and entertainment, be that live or digital movies,” Deb Wilson with the Rex Community Theater said. “We have made huge strides toward our goal and are hosting one or two events each month. Being a part of something bigger than yourself is always humbling and we were 100% united in our excitement and agreement to help Craig share Tina’s story in any way we could.”

MacLachlan says he is also working to secure Thompson Falls High School as another filming location and hopes to finalize those filming dates soon. “I do have other businesses I am approaching to film at in Thompson Falls, as well as several outdoor locations,” MacLachlan said. The biggest location that is still needed in Sanders County, he says, is a farm or a house with a field and a barn for 21 days of filming. The screenwriter says conversations have gone smoothly as he worked on securing filming sites in the area. “Everyone has been so kind and generous and wants to be involved in telling my wife’s story,” MacLachlan said. “It has been a great experience and the reason Tina and I were going to retire in Thompson Falls. It’s why I am looking to move back soon myself, and why I’m proud to be a Thompson Falls native.”

MacLachlan says Tina instantly fell in love with Thompson Falls when he brought her here to visit. The town became her true home. “It’s the place she could never get enough of. Thompson Falls was her bliss, her sanctuary, and it’s why she is there now and in the surrounding forest at her favorite location,” he said.

The budget for “Sunshine Girl” is $50,000. MacLachlan says this number would allow for leeway in unknown and unexpected expenses. He is looking to fundraise $15,000 or more while he works on reaching out to private investors and business sponsors. “We have so many cast and crew members that are simply donating their time, minus food, travel and lodging, to be part of this. It’s because they themselves are inspired by Tina’s story and want the film to be made for everyone to see,” MacLachlan said. “It’s a passion project and everyone involved is passionate about the story and Tina.” A few more crew members are still needed to help with transportation and MacLachlan is also looking for a few more actors to add to the cast.

The movie’s progress so far, MacLachlan says, has been fluid and smooth. “We still have upcoming rehearsals and need to find props for the late 1980s into early 1990s, among other things. The funding aspect of the pre-production process is proving to be the most difficult aspect so far,” MacLachlan stated.

To donate, visit http://www.indiegogo.com and search for “Sunshine Girl – Feature Film.” For those interested in helping with the film or are wanting more information about open casting spots, email [email protected]

“We are truly blessed and honored to anyone who donates to ‘Sunshine Girl,’” MacLachlan said. “Even if you can’t donate, simply having your support is just as important to us.”