Columbia Premieres Locally Made Film “Thy Will Be Done” Celebrating Community and Resilience

Columbia, South Carolina, Welcomes New Film “Thy Will Be Done”

Columbia was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, October 5, 2024, as the premiere of the highly anticipated film “Thy Will Be Done” took place at the DTM Theatre inside Dutch Square Mall. This locally produced film has not only captured the essence of Columbia but also features some very familiar faces, including none other than Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.

A Local Flavor with Real Heart

“Thy Will Be Done” tells a gripping story centering on a selfish young woman named Summer Buckner, played by Tiffanie Flagler, who faces the harsh reality of poverty for five days in order to inherit her father’s fortune. Written, shot, and produced in Columbia, this film is a labor of love for director JB Brown, who emphasizes themes of humility and gratitude. Over a decade in the making, Brown says, “This wasn’t some Hollywood production coming to town; it’s our community telling its own story.”

Sheriff Lott Takes on a New Role

For Sheriff Lott, stepping onto the film set felt less like a daunting challenge and more like another day at the office. With years of experience as an undercover narcotics agent, he’s navigated high-stakes situations where messing up could mean life or death. “If you mess up in the movie, they can just retake it,” he chuckled. It’s clear he enjoyed playing the coroner in this film, sharing, “It was a great experience to act alongside friends and community members.”

An Eye-Opening Experience for the Cast

One of the local faces making waves in this film is Melodi Sunstresa. Reflecting on her role, she called the experience “awesome and humbling,” adding that it helped her appreciate life more deeply. Brown aims for viewers to ponder important questions about their lives while watching the film. “The issues we touch on, like human trafficking and domestic violence, are serious, but I believe in the power of storytelling,” Brown explained. He hopes audiences come away with not just entertainment but also a sense of purpose and reflection.

Community Impact and Future Showings

“Thy Will Be Done” is one of nine films created under JB Brown’s JBSTARS Productions, and each piece is rooted in moral themes that reflect Brown’s commitment to community activism. “JB is part of this community,” said the sheriff. “When people watch this movie, they’re going to see familiar faces, and that makes it special.”

The film premiered with showings at 3, 5, and 7 p.m. at the DTM Theatre, with another screening planned for Hampton on October 26. As the credits rolled, smiles and applause filled the theater, signifying the positive reception this local film received. For those eager to learn more about upcoming productions, more information can be found at the JBSTAR Presents website.

Beautiful Fall Weather in Columbia

As the community gathered to celebrate this cinematic achievement, the weather in Columbia was just as delightful. The skies started off mostly cloudy but cleared up nicely in the afternoon, with a lovely high of 83°F. The evenings were comfortably clear, dropping to about 61°F, making it a perfect night for a movie premiere!

With engaging stories and relatable characters, “Thy Will Be Done” not only showcases the incredible talent within our hometown but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity of the Columbia community. So if you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to catch a screening and experience the stories that come from right here at home!