A movie with deep Missouri roots — and several scenes filmed right here in Perryville — is now making its way into homes across the country.
Sugarhouse, an inspirational drama produced by Lost Sheep Pictures and co-directed by Frederick C. Jones and Shirlee Wilson, premiered on video-on-demand platforms Nov. 11, distributed by BMG-Global, a leading name in family-friendly and faith-based entertainment.
Fresh off an award-winning festival run praised for its emotional depth and striking cinematography, the film delivers what Wilson calls “a powerful tale of sisterhood, buried secrets, and redemption.” The story follows Maisie (Alivia Roach), a kind-hearted young woman struggling to keep her fractured family together after being abandoned by her outlaw father (Darren DeLoach). With her spirited sister Cricket (Tess Farrar) and estranged brother Finn (Caleb Ebert), Maisie must confront the shadows of the past and the haunting legacy tied to the family’s old sugarhouse.
Audiences have described Sugarhouse as “a gripping, heartfelt story that rises to a powerful climax, reminding us that hope endures even in hardship.”
“This film is a luminous beacon of hope, weaving raw emotion and faith into a story that speaks to the soul of every viewer,” said Steve Bulzoni, president of BMG-Global. “With its electrifying performances and profound exploration of forgiveness and kinship, it’s destined to captivate and inspire audiences globally.”
The movie’s rural southeast Missouri setting — including multiple scenes filmed in Perryville — lends what critics have called a “hauntingly poetic backdrop” to the film’s themes of grace and resilience.
Lead actress Alivia Roach, a southeast Missouri native, has been nominated for Best Actress at the International Christian Visual Media Festival (I.C.V.M.), the longest-running international Christian film festival. The film itself has also been nominated for Best Non-Theatrical Film.
The movie premiered earlier this summer at the Perry Park Center, where it drew local attention for its strong ties to the community. With its new nationwide release, Wilson said she’s thrilled that “those who missed the premiere this summer will now have a chance to watch Sugarhouse right from their homes.”
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 11, Sugarhouse became available on Amazon Prime Video, other major streaming platforms, and DVD.
