Strand Theatre
717 Clay StreetFriends of Vicksburg National Military Park to present family-friendly film set in
the Grand Canyon.
The Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign is partnering with
Granite Rapids Moon, LLC; and the Strand Theatre to present the family-friendly film
"Granite Rapids Moon," which was shot by a crew carrying gear across 82 miles of Grand
Canyon trails, with National Park Service oversight. The film is the first narrative feature
ever to shoot the majority of its footage inside the Grand Canyon.
Proceeds from the screening at the Strand will benefit The Friends of Vicksburg.
In the film, a happily married father of two, shaken by a message written in a birthday
card for his daughter, abruptly leaves his family for a week-long trek through the Grand
Canyon. As we follow his solo hike, we see his memories of an earlier trip through the
Grand Canyon with a different woman. The film’s trailer may be viewed at
GraniteRapidsMoon.com.
Shot with only the equipment that a cast and crew of eight could carry on two 41-mile
hikes (one in 20-degree December and one in 95-degree June), The family-friendly
romantic drama contains no nudity, sex, guns, violence, drugs, or strong profanity.
Written and directed by Kenneth Cran, the film stars Brit Morgan (True Blood, Riverdale,
Supergirl), John Charles Meyer (Mom, Vampire Diaries), Susan Papa, Etienne Eckert,
Micah Cohen, KylieRae Condon, and Missi Pyle (Gone Girl, Galaxy Quest, Captain
Fantastic).
Writer/director Cran says, “With Granite Rapids Moon, I hope some of the people who
just make it to the rim and take a photo will see that the Grand Canyon is much more than
a photo op; it's a place of epic sublimity that has changed and shaped people and their
stories.” After the film, Cran will participate in a Zoom Q&A. “It’s always fun for our
audience when they are able to “meet” the director and ask questions about the film they
just saw,” according to Daniel Boone, film programmer for the Strand.
Ten percent of the film’s profits will be donated to Grand Canyon Conservancy, Leave
No Trace, and Plastic Free Restaurants; additionally, a portion of ticket sales at specific
events will also benefit non-profits local to the area. Boone recommended the Friends of
Vicksburg to the filmmakers as an appropriate partner, “because of the Park Service
connection.”
Bess Averett, Executive Director of the The Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park
and Campaign, will be at the Strand to introduce the film and explain the mission of her
organization, which is a 501 (c) (3) that works to protect Vicksburg’s historic landscape
by saving battlefield land from commercial development and ensuring its availability for
education and interpretation. They connect students, families, and lifelong learners to the
history of Vicksburg. From immersive “soldier for a day” tours to expanded Junior
Ranger and Ranger-in-Training programs, they spark curiosity and build future stewards.
The Friends restore the battlefield’s historic character and interpretive resources.
About the film, Bess said, “In this anniversary year for our nation, there is no better time
to celebrate America's best idea — the National Park System. This film showcases the
awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, one of our country's most beloved national parks, and
invites viewers to connect, as with all National Parks, with the landscapes, stories, and
shared heritage that define the American experience. We hope you will join us.”
The film will be shown on Saturday, July 11 at 7 PM. The
Strand Theatre is located at 717 Clay Street in downtown Vicksburg.
Sat, Jul 11, 2026 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Strand Theatre
717 Clay Street
The Strand Theatre opened in downtown Vicksburg in 1934 and closed in the early 1960s. Now the Westside Theatre Foundation a 501 (c) (3) presents live theater, films, concerts and all manner of arts programming
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