My son Sebastian and I met all of the wonderful Wayshower cast and crew last April when we went down to Helper for a week of shooting. Sebastian was given the awesome opportunity of working with Eric and Eliza Roberts as their son in the film. We had no idea that it would be the beginning of such a meaningful friendship with such a great family of people.

All of us were completely embraced by the people of Helper, Utah. The first day of shooting, Sebastian and Eric did their first scenes together and everyone bonded out in the desert landscape as we braved the wind and elements. After a long day of work, we were all greeted by warm and loving host families who made us feel right at home and treated us to breakfast each morning. The crew enjoyed some great spaghetti dinners and a birthday party for Eric Roberts hosted by Charlie and Louise Hamilton.

We met John-Roger at the birthday party and it was obvious right away that he was a very beloved and respected man. We were delighted to meet him and his brother Delile Hinkins. They impressed us with their strength and faith and desires to do good. Through the filming of The Wayshower, we learned about the history and lives of the Hinkins Family.

When the film wrapped, the town hosted a huge wrap party which started with a prayer as we all joined hands in a giant circle. It was obvious that the production team had chosen the right place to make this film, and that Helper and Price Utah were ready to welcome a new industry.

The Wayshower was hosted by Marshall Moore and the Utah Film Commission last Tuesday with a screening of the movie at the Tower Theatre. In Salt Lake City, Utah. Although it’s been almost a year since that amazing time in Helper, watching the film always reminds me of the close bond formed on that set and among the people of Helper and Price.

We’ve been involved in film in Utah over the last ten years and this experience stands out in my mind for the way it highlights Utah landscapes and actors, and especially the friendships.

We are so grateful to have been a part of telling this story and we treasure the experience and our new friends. We wish John-Roger, Jsu Garcia and all of the production team continued success, peace, and light.
Ali Barr
Actors’ Mom, Producer, Director