Somewhere West

Directed by David Marek 

“Somewhere West” is a visually breathtaking road-film that explores the human spirit with emotional breadth and quiet subtlety.

However, despite his best efforts, Ian becomes the center of a makeshift family of troubled, but kind-hearted characters who help him in the redemptive process of letting go, opening his heart and finally reaching his undetermined destination.

“Somewhere West” is a journey of forgiveness and friendship that travels 3000 miles across some of the most revelatory landscapes in the US including: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, The Badlands, Black Hills, Devils Tower, Yellowstone, Great Salt Lake and Bonneville Salt Flats.

Shot in 31 consecutive days while traveling 4982 miles in an RV with a cast of 4 and crew of 5, “Somewhere West” is a triumph of filmmaking ingenuity and collaboration. They slept wherever they parked, ate and rehearsed while driving, showered at campgrounds and did laundry on the rare occasion that they stopped in a town for supplies. Shot chronologically, the cast and crew lived the story of the film in real time, and the result is evident in the subtle and authentic performances, as well as the attention and innovation of every single shot in this unforgettable film.

Phil Solomon, world recognized filmmaker, artist and Assistant Chair of the University of Colorado’s Film Department, said about “Somewhere West” – “I was lost in the film immediately.  I luxuriated spending time in that world.  Dave’s film has very little sound and fury … it’s quiet in a noisy time.  Its big talk in a time of small talk … When Dave’s film ends, he was after something bigger than the story.  He was after the big picture.”