Made in Huntington, Shared with the World: The Story Behind SENIORS
There is something special about watching a movie and recognizing the place you call home.
For Huntington County, SENIORS brings that feeling to the big screen. Created by Huntington University and its feature film production arm, Forester Film, the movie offers a chance to celebrate our community, the creativity growing here, and a story with both humor and heart.
Filmed in Huntington and other locations throughout Northeast Indiana, SENIORS carries a piece of home with it wherever audiences watch. For those of us who live here, seeing familiar surroundings become part of a feature film gives us another reason to feel proud of Huntington County.
An Unlikely Friendship with Something to Teach Us
SENIORS follows Ori, a troubled high school senior played by Paris Brosnan, whose court-ordered community service brings him to a retirement home. There, he meets a stubborn veteran played by John Rhys-Davies, known to audiences for his roles in The Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones.
What begins as an obligation becomes an unexpected adventure. A secret treasure hunt draws the two together, opening the door to friendship, purpose, and a sense of belonging neither expected to find.
The story makes room for laughter while exploring something meaningful: the difference people can make in one another’s lives when they take the time to connect. Its themes of second chances and friendship across generations give audiences plenty to carry with them after the credits.
Huntington University Talent Behind the Camera
The connection to Huntington extends well beyond the scenery.
SENIORS is the third feature film produced through Huntington University and Forester Film. Directed by Lance Clark, the project brought together professional actors and crew members with more than 40 Huntington University students. These students helped create a feature film while learning alongside people with years of industry experience.
The screenplay was written by Huntington University alumna Erica Leigh Dick, with Matt Webb and Lance Clark serving as producers. Students contributed across departments, including camera, lighting, art, production, and sound, taking on real responsibilities throughout the filmmaking process.
That is an exciting opportunity to have right here in our community. Students can develop their craft, build professional relationships, and see their work reach audiences far beyond campus.
For Huntington County, it is also a reminder of the talent being nurtured here—and the possibilities that grow when education and creative work come together.
From Huntington to Hollywood
The film’s journey has taken it from Northeast Indiana to a Hollywood red carpet.
Following a screening at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, SENIORS received the Grand Prize for Best Feature Film at the 2026 Indiewood Film Festival. That recognition celebrated a production built through the shared efforts of students, faculty, alumni, professional filmmakers, and supporters.
The recognition continued at the Heartland International Film Festival, where the movie earned both the Indiana Narrative Award and the Audience Choice Award: Indiana Spotlight Narrative. It opened in select theaters across the country on October 23, 2026.
Each milestone gives more people the opportunity to discover a film created through Huntington University—and introduces them to a little of the place behind it.
A Hometown Celebration
Here at home, celebrating SENIORS has brought its own kind of excitement.
Our community watch party and red-carpet gathering at Huntington 7 Theatre gave neighbors, families, and friends an opportunity to come together in support of a Huntington-made movie. Seeing our county on the screen made the experience especially meaningful.
To everyone who attended, shared the movie with a friend, or encouraged the people behind it: thank you. Showing up for local creativity matters. It lets students and filmmakers see that their community is cheering them on.
Congratulations to Huntington University, Forester Film, and everyone who helped bring SENIORS to life. We are proud to celebrate your work and grateful to see Huntington County play a part in its story.
Experience the Story
Whether you have a connection to Huntington University, enjoy discovering Indiana-made films, or simply appreciate a story with laughter and meaning, SENIORS is a chance to experience creativity with local roots.
Visit seniorsthemovie.com to explore the film, watch the trailer, and check for viewing information.
And when you visit Huntington County, take a little time to explore beyond the screen. Enjoy a local meal, browse our shops, and discover the community we are so glad to call home.
