SPOKANE, Wash. – A new feature film, based on the Pulitzer Prize-nominated novel “Train Dreams,” was shot almost entirely in Eastern Washington, gaining national attention. Local members of the film’s production team highlight the Inland Northwest’s contribution to the project.
Marc Dahlstrom, the production supervisor, emphasized the filmmakers’ intent to bring the story back to its roots.
“There was a desire from the filmmakers to bring the story home to where it happened or where it was written for and have it happen here,” Dahlstrom said.
Dahlstrom noted that filming in Spokane allowed the story to unfold in its natural setting, with approximately 90% of the movie shot in Eastern Washington.
“The local footprint is represented by the crews’ work throughout the region,” Dahlstrom said.
The film’s production involved small towns, forests and hand-designed sets within Studio A. One particular location highlights trauma through its already visible history, providing resonance for many in the community.
“When his cabin burns down and he loses his family and he has to deal with that, we were able to be in places where other people had experienced that. They connected with the reality of what folks had gone through,” Dahlstrom said.
Dahlstrom explained that using locations – devastated by real wildfires – added a layer of empathetic authenticity to the film.
Daniel Schaefer, a still photographer for the film, praised Spokane’s unique market position.
“Spokane as a market has the really distinct position of being small, accessible, but with an incredible degree of location diversity and an incredibly solid crew,” Schaefer said.
This combination of scenic variety and experienced local crews attracted the production to the Inland Northwest, keeping much of the work and funds within the community.
“Train Dreams is going to be a pretty serious trading card for us. I think not only does it show how beautiful the area is, it really is a love letter to Spokane. It is a love letter to the Pacific Northwest in the visuals, in the tone, in the history shown in that project,” Schaefer said.
The production team hopes the film’s visibility will attract more projects and steady work for Spokane’s growing industry.
“The folks here in Spokane that worked on the movie, when they’re in the theater and they see it, they end up all pretty much collectively going, that was worth it,” Dahlstrom said.
The team credits Spokane’s people, places and production infrastructure for the film’s success, presenting a visually rich story that offers local audiences a glimpse of home on the silver screen.
