Warren County shines in new indie film Valley View Motel; screening is today at Struthers Library Theatre | News, Sports, Jobs

The evening promises an immersive moviegoing experience, a cast and crew panel discussion, and a celebration of Warren County’s growing film scene.

Set in 1977, Valley View Motel tells the story of two small-time crooks on the run after a diamond heist goes sideways. They seek refuge at a quiet, off-the-grid motel–only to find themselves entangled in the strange dynamics of the motel’s eerie owners. The 90-minute film is Rated R and stars Laura Im, Soulo Smith, Judy Lee, as well as the filmmakers themselves, Ignatius and Psinakis. McKenzie Such and Tom Mesmer also appear as “Louanne” and “Lester,” respectively.

The evening’s festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening to the Struthers Library Theatre at 302 W. 3rd Avenue in Warren. Moviegoers will enjoy live music from vinyl DJ LUPE in Sally’s Encore Theatre Bar, spinning iconic 1970s records to match the film’s gritty retro vibe. The film begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and cast at 9:15 p.m.

General admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors (62+). All proceeds benefit Struthers Library Theatre.

Filming at the Econo Lodge.

And there’s more than just the movie: guests will have access to the Valley View Motel Experience in the mezzanine–featuring props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes photography from the production. Several vintage 1970s cars used in the film will be on display out front, and a red carpet will be available for all attendees to pose for photos.

“Four18 is really thrilled to be collaborating with Struthers Library Theatre once again and supporting its mission,” said Kevin Ignatius. “We always love to curate our SLT screenings with an experience for the moviegoers.”

Filmed entirely in Warren County, the film uses the region’s landscapes and architecture not just as a backdrop–but as a character in itself.

“Warren County not only provides such a great backdrop to bring our stories to the screen, but its natural and historic beauty along with the rural setting stoke those very ideas,” said Ignatius.

“Areas can almost serve as a studio lot in some sense. For Valley View Motel, the idea simply came from driving along Route 6 and seeing some old motels lost in the ’70s. I knew we had an old bank vault in downtown Warren and quite a bit of vintage automobile owners in the area. So after a brainstorm session with my partner Nick Psinakis, we laid the groundwork for the film’s storylines–where they all converge at the Valley View Motel.”

Filming at Snuffy’s.

Ignatius and Psinakis are no strangers to filming in the region. Their previous features, including The Long Dark Trail and Cheat (which premiered at FrightFest 2023 in the UK), also featured local locations and talent.

Warren County didn’t just provide a setting–it helped bring the film to life.

“The community has been so very supportive since our first film production in Warren,” said Ignatius. “They’ve always stepped up to offer key locations and vehicles, as well as performing in lead, supporting, and background roles. There is truly so much creative talent in Warren County, and I’m just happy to be a part of it all. I hope that these films inspire others to create–whatever that artistic medium may be.”

Filming at Sheffield High School.