The first ever trailer for Whispers in the Wheat, a movie that was filmed in Brandon and a farmyard in Rossendale, was recently released. The film, written and directed by Alec Chambers of Muddy River Productions, is a story about a "young con-man who gets more than he bargained for when he searches for his late father's final score." Chambers tells bdnmb.ca that he first had the concept for the movie while attending the Vancouver Film School in 2019-2020. Upon returning to Manitoba in March of 2020, he expanded his initial vision for the movie. It was around that time he reached out to Miles Crossman (The Grand Illusion Film Company) who served as the movie's producer. Once a location for filming was established in July, Chambers said things came together really quickly and he basically had 3-weeks to write the final script. A link to the video trailer can be found here. For Crossman the opportunity to work on the project was important for many reasons including building community and creating art. The entire film was recorded from Aug 15-Aug 31 (2020) and production started in March of this year. Approximately 30 people worked on putting the film together. Two of the lead actors are based out of British Columbia while the rest if the cast is entirely from Manitoba. The movie is being submitted for consideration to various film festivals, with an expected release date for later in the fall. For the latest updates, please follow the movie's Facebook page here.

The classic rock sounds of RFM will once again be placed on pause, as the organizers of the event have made the difficult but necessary decision to postpone the planned 2021 festival to 2022. “We continue to consult with government authorities but restrictions and suggested summer guidelines for events in Manitoba are making the planning of the 2021 festival, which was scheduled for July 30, 31, Aug 1, difficult if not impossible,” said Al Logan, President of Rockin’ The Fields of Minnedosa, adding “The safety and comfort level of our patrons, volunteers, artists and staff are some of the driving factors behind the postponement.” Promoter of the event, Rob Waloschuk of Performance Promotions has been juggling artists and schedules since the onslaught of COVID-19 in March of 2020. “It’s been a challenging time for the music industry, but we are overwhelmed by the support of patrons and the local community, which will just make 2022 that much more of a success.” Dates for 2022 are July 29, 30, 31. Organizers are thrilled to announce that Our Lady Peace have reconfirmed and are slated to perform at the 2022 festival. More lineup details will be released in the coming months. All tickets purchased for 2020/21 will be valid for 2022. In the coming weeks, current ticket purchasers will be emailed with ticket roll-over information and exclusive incentives for current ticket holders ONLY, as well as refund options.(RFM Media Release)

Based on ongoing consultations with the Province of Manitoba, Dauphin’s Countryfest has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 festival to 2022. “Planning the festival takes well over a year from preparing the site to be home to over 10,000 patrons to coordinating over 1300 volunteers” said President Ann Ransom. “The uncertainty of the right COVID-19 protocols to have in place to ensure the safety of festival goers, just leaves us with no choice but to hold off on welcoming everyone back to the hill this summer.” “Dauphin’s Countryfest has a significant economic impact to the business and volunteer community. We have a responsibility to Dauphin, and the surrounding communities, to bring the festival back in 2022.” said Ransom. “The board and staff are excitedly making big plans for July 1 – 3, 2022.” “Although this isn’t the news anyone wants to hear, we are taking the opportunity to refresh the festival for 2022,” said General Manager Rob Waloschuk, noting some exciting changes are being planned. He continues to work with the province and health authorities and is confident live music events will be a reality soon. “While there may not be a festival as we know it this year, we are currently planning on presenting some smaller scale ‘Covid Safe’ events throughout the summer, all based on public health guidelines.” The 2022 lineup is in the works, but fans will be happy to know that Johnny Reid has reconfirmed for next years’ festival. Incentives for patrons that leave their tickets in for 2022 include an exclusive performance by Corb Lund, among others. Details on all ticket processes and more exclusive incentives will be going out via email directly to all ticket holders in the next week to ten days.(Countryfest Release)

After having been closed for the past several seasons, the Shamrock Drive In in Killarney is looking to open in July of this year. Joanne Struss tells bdnmb.ca that the last movie they played at the drive-in (Cinderella) was on May long weekend back in 2015. To say that Joanne and her husband Daren faced many obstacles in re-opening would be an understatement. In 2015 they lost 1/2 the screen during a severe storm. While waiting for repairs to the original screen a second wind storm in 2016 took down the other half of the screen. Due to the availability of movies from the studios they also had to look at converting from 35mm to a new digital projector. In speaking with bdnmb.ca earlier today Joanne described her excitement for the drive-ins re-opening and provided a brief history of all that has transpired into getting the business operational again. They purchased a digital projector back in 2016 from a drive-in in Idaho. Several months ago the couple secured 4-large shipping containers (40' long and 9’6” feet high) that will be the backbone of the new outdoor screen. Three of the containers were stacked on top on one another while the fourth was positioned at the back for stability. With the newly installed shipping containers serving as the screen and the digital projector in-hand, the drive-in is once again equipped to operate. Photo: Submitted She went on to say that there is still some work to complete prior to opening. They have to inquire as to what movies may be available this summer, test the projector(s), and fill in the seems on the shipping containers. Concession services will be available. The drive-in has room for approximately 180 cars and you have the option of using an old time speaker for your window or listening to clear FM sound on 88.3 through your own car stereo. The family first purchased the business back in 2011 and is eagerly waiting on re-opening this summer. When asked why they continued to look for avenues to re-open after so many years away, Joanne said "I feel in love with the business." Photo: Submitted

Like all musicians in Brandon and the Westman area, singer/songwriter Emma Peterson has been missing out on performing at live shows and the interaction she shares with those who flock to her performances. "The feeling of connecting through music" is what Emma told bdnmb.ca she misses most about live performances. "The reason I make music is to make other people feel the emotion I’m trying to convey in my music. There is nothing like connecting with others in person." Emma estimates she had to cancel upwards of 20 shows since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, including getting the opportunity to open for High Valley, Manitoba Summer Games and the Manitoba Country Music Association Awards. While she was able to play 2 small shows when restrictions were loosened in the summer, her last major live performance was at Houstons in Brandon opening for Petric (February 28, 2020). Usually in the summer the country music artist expects to plan 10+ shows in Manitoba at different street fairs, family fun weekends, and festivals. As an emerging artist, opportunities often come up last minute and performing is an essential part of building on her craft and connecting with others.  Emma, who has been performing live in Brandon venues for the past 3-4 years, has put her downtime to good use. "Writing, writing, and more writing. The slower year has given me the opportunity to develop musically, but also professionally, behind the scenes" she said. "I have had more time to grow and become a better writer and musician. I have also been able to learn more about the music industry. I think that this time has given me an opportunity to learn and do things I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise." "One of my favourite parts of performing is thanking everyone after the show for coming and hearing how they enjoyed the show" said Emma.  "I hope sometime soon I can do that again! I am thankful for social media and the role it plays in helping me stay connected with everyone."