Country Star Dallas Smith Takes Lead Role in Edmonton-Filmed Feature Soul's Road
Canadian country music sensation Dallas Smith headlines the new feature film Soul's Road, a production that brings significant Edmonton connections to the big screen. The film represents a major career milestone for director Joel Stewart, an Edmonton ex-pat with extensive experience creating music videos for prominent Canadian and international artists.
From Music Videos to Feature Film Direction
Joel Stewart has built an impressive career directing music videos and specials for Canadian music icons including Blue Rodeo, Corb Lund, and Ron Sexsmith, along with international stars like Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, and Tom Cochrane. With Soul's Road, Stewart makes his transition into narrative feature film direction, bringing his musical background to a story that resonates with the realities of the music industry.
The film follows the journey of a musician who has experienced the intense pressures of sudden fame and must now make amends with those affected by his previous actions. Smith, who connects deeply with his character Ronan's experiences, draws from his own career trajectory with the band Default, whose single Wasting My Time achieved global recognition.
Strong Edmonton Connections Throughout Production
Soul's Road boasts multiple Edmonton connections beyond its director. The film was produced by local Dept. 9 Studios and written and produced by John K. MacDonald, who previously produced the horror film Dark Match featuring Chris Jericho. The production was shot over 19 days in Edmonton's historic Old Strathcona neighborhood, with locations so familiar that local viewers will likely recognize specific settings.
The film features several Edmonton-based talents, including the magnetic presence of actor Tom Edwards and musician Clayton Bellamy of The Roadhammers. The soundtrack also includes a song by Edmonton musician Mike Plume, adding another layer of local authenticity to the production.
A Story of Redemption and Human Connection
Director Stewart describes Soul's Road as fundamentally a story about human goodness and redemption. The narrative follows an artist attempting to rebuild his career and personal relationships with assistance from both old friends and new acquaintances. This theme of reconciliation and personal growth gives the film emotional depth beyond its musical backdrop.
Smith explained his connection to the role in a previous interview, noting that "Anyone in the music business goes through some of that, so I was able to pull from my own experiences to play him." This authenticity brings additional credibility to the portrayal of a musician navigating the challenges of fame and personal accountability.
Local Screening and Production Details
Edmonton audiences have the opportunity to see Soul's Road on the big screen, with a local screening scheduled at Cineplex Odeon South Edmonton Common. The film represents a significant achievement for Edmonton's film production community, demonstrating the city's capacity to support feature film projects with both local talent and recognizable locations.
The production showcases how Edmonton's distinctive neighborhoods can serve as compelling backdrops for cinematic storytelling, while also highlighting the collaborative nature of Canada's film industry, where music and film professionals frequently cross creative boundaries.
