This month, a new film is coming to local theaters that may cause movie goers to think, “Hey, those locations look familiar!”
Fortis Femina, which is based on a true story, follows a group of seven women who are on a life-altering retreat in Sedona.
“Each woman carries personal struggles and hidden truths, and as they open up to one another, they experience a profound transformation,” says Mitesh Patel, CEO of Applied Art Productions, LLC, the Chandler production company that created and produced the film.
As Patel notes, the film, which is set against the gorgeous desert landscape in Sedona, explores themes of healing, vulnerability, and empowerment.
“Through authenticity and sisterhood, they rediscover their inner strength and form unbreakable bonds that change their lives forever,” he says.
The film will open in limited theaters on Sept. 5, with local showings in Chandler, Tempe, and Sedona, and around 20 major cities across the country.
About 95% of the scenes were shot in Sedona, Patel notes. The rest were filmed in Mesa.
“Viewers will recognize stunning locations in Sedona such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Red Rock Crossing, which all serve as visually powerful backdrops to the emotional journey of the characters,” Patel says.
The entire post-production process took place in Chandler, at the Applied Art Productions office.
Patel, who is also president of American Film Convention, founder of the Chandler International Film Festival, and a member of the Producers Guild of America, says he and the entire team at Applied Art Productions are looking forward to the launch of Fortis Femina in theaters.
“All of our lead actors, along with several extras, are local to Arizona. This film was truly a community-driven project, showcasing incredible local talent both in front of and behind the camera,” Patel says.