Columbia Celebrates Local Film Premiere Featuring Sheriff Lott

Columbia Holds Exciting Movie Premiere with Local Stars

Columbia, S.C., is buzzing with excitement as it hosted the premiere of a new film titled Thy Will Be Done. This locally produced movie had its debut at the Dutch Square Mall on Saturday, October 5, 2024, and it is creating quite a stir in the community. The flick stars none other than Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, who takes on the intriguing role of a coroner in this thought-provoking morality tale.

Sunny Skies at the Premiere

Even the weather was on the side of the film’s success, with sunshine and some cloudy intervals making for a pleasant day. The high reached a warm 87°F, and while light winds kept things comfortable, there was only a slight chance of a rain shower in the forecast. It felt like perfect movie-watching weather!

A Journey from Script to Screen

The journey of Thy Will Be Done began almost 12 years ago when the screenplay was originally penned. Writer and director JB Brown, a passionate community activist and filmmaker from Columbia, had certain visions for the film that he was eager to fulfill. After being presented with a new opportunity to direct and write a film, he felt compelled to revisit this story with renewed vigor.

The movie explores the life of Summer Buckner, played by Tiffanie Flagler, who embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery when she must navigate five days of poverty to claim her late father’s fortune.

Behind the Scenes with Sheriff Lott

Stepping onto the set, Sheriff Lott was cool and collected. After spending nine years as an undercover narcotics agent, he assured everyone that acting in a film was a different kind of challenge but one that didn’t intimidate him. “If you mess up in the movie, they can retake it,” Lott explained with a chuckle. “If you mess up working undercover, it might just cost you everything.”

His role, though brief, carries significant weight, reflecting the film’s deeper themes of humility and gratitude. Brown hopes that audiences leave with an enriched perspective on their own lives after watching.

A Community Affair

Filmed entirely in Columbia, the movie features a bevy of local talents alongside Lott, including WIS sportscaster Curtis Wilson, radio personality Jeffrey Lamkin, and Bishop Redfern II. For Columbia native Melodi Sunstresa, being involved in the project was an eye-opening experience. “(It was) awesome and humbling,” she expressed, adding that it made her appreciate life a little bit more.

Brown’s film not only serves to entertain but also raises awareness about significant issues, including human trafficking and domestic violence. He aims to provoke thought about how people are living their lives through the narratives he weaves on screen.

What’s Next for the Film?

The premiere was held at DTM Theatre inside Dutch Square Mall, with showtimes scheduled for 3 PM, 5 PM, and 7 PM. After Columbia, the film will make its way to Hampton for another screening on October 26. It’s all part of Brown’s broader goal with his production company, JBSTAR Productions, which has created nine morality-themed films aiming to reflect and impact the Columbia community.

People were excited and shared heartfelt moments during the premiere, and Sheriff Lott reflected on this, saying, “JB is part of this community. This wasn’t someone coming from California and New York doing something with hometown people. That makes it a little bit special. When people see the movie, they’re gonna see faces they recognize in Columbia.”

This premiere of Thy Will Be Done is a brilliant testament to the creativity and talent that thrives within Columbia, and it’s a shining example of local filmmaking. Mark your calendars for future screenings, and don’t miss your chance to support this heartfelt film!