Anaconda woman's childhood dream to be fulfilled as Tashia Gates set to appear in film at the Washoe Theatre

'Somewhere in Montana' to open Friday, Jan. 10 and will run through Jan. 12

When she was a child growing up in the Smelter City, Tashia Gates dreamed of being on the big screen at the Washoe Theatre, and now that dream is about to become reality as the Anaconda actress has a key role in "Somewhere in Montana," a feature-length film shot in the Treasure State that's set to open this Friday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at the historic theatre. 

It's a place she knows very well, having lived just a block away from the theatre as a kid.

"Oh my gosh I am so excited. I am ecstatic. Since I was a little girl I always wanted to be in a movie at the Washoe Theatre," said Gates, who recalled seeing her first movie – "Cinderella" – sitting up in the balcony at the Washoe. 

"That's my first memory. I had dance recitals growing up there. I had dates there. It's just – my love of storytelling really started in that theatre. It's just such a unique experience with the Art Deco design. Jerry [Lussy, theatre owner] never raises his prices so you can afford to go. It's a magnificent experience," she said. "The way Jerry and his family open it up to the Anaconda community – it's overwhelming." 

Gates, whose acting credits include an appearance in the hit series "Yellowstone," said she auditioned for the film back in March of 2021, went through callbacks and, after getting the part, started rehearsal but then filming had to be pushed back a year. That's not unusual, she said, but it was unusual for it to be picked back up. 

Fortunately it was, and since its completion it had its initial release in Polson where the movie was filmed, and now it's coming to Anaconda. 

And not only that, but Gates and several members of the cast and crew – including writer/director Brandon Smith – will be at the Washoe on Friday for a question-and-answer session after the 7 p.m. showing. It also will be shown at 9:15 p.m. on Friday and again at 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 11 and 12. There'll be another Q&A after the 7:15 p.m. showing on Saturday. 

"That was something he [Smith] wanted to do for the actors, as many as we could, to welcome the film in the actors' hometowns and offer the opportunity for the audience to ask questions about film making and this film in particular," Gates said. "Many of them haven't been here before so that's another exciting thing."

As to her role in the film, Gates said she plays "an aspiring actress from Los Angeles making her film debut as a leading lady in Montana." Considering Gates' own background having been an aspiring actress from Montana who went to LA to break into showbiz, it couldn't have been more ironic. 

"Sometimes the universe throws at you an opportunity that you couldn't have dreamed for yourself," she said. "No way could I have planned that. All the years I auditioned in LA, I never could have dreamed I would book that role, film in Montana and have a release in my hometown."

On that note, Gates said she is "beyond words for the immense gratitude for the community of Anaconda showing up consistently throughout the ups and downs of my career and I feel very blessed to share this with them," and gave particular credit both to the Lussy family and her own family.

"Somewhere in Montana"

Written and Directed by Brandon Smith, Somewhere in Montana "is a poignant journey that invites audiences to experience resilience, connection, and self-discovery, all set against the stunning backdrop of Montana’s landscapes," according to a media release sent out by Nova Vento Entertainment, a Montana-based distribution company focused on U.S, theatrical releases of independent films. 

Produced and distributed by Nova Vento Entertainment, the "Big Sky Country" drama is opening at select venues, including the Washoe, and will expand to 500 theaters by the end of January. 

The film stars Graham McTavish (Outlander, The Hobbit, Aquaman), Michelle Hurd (Star Trek: Picard, Blindspot), and Matt Drago (Just Go With It, The Fix) in "a story of two vastly different men who must learn to accept each other’s differences and ways of life," the release states. 

"Montana cattle rancher John Alexander (McTavish), at risk of losing his land, agrees to let a film production use his property for a location shoot," it states. "He doesn’t exactly see eye-to-eye with the urban cast and crew, from the risqué storyline to how they handle their props. The film’s obsessive director, Fabian (Drago), is intent on calling the shots and getting his film made whatever it takes. The two clash but ultimately come to terms with their respective points of view. Alexander decides to trust Fabian, and Fabian now knows he’ll be able to finish his film—until a shocking incident brings production to a complete halt. A devastated Fabian tries to revive the project, but because of the incident no one will touch it."

Shot near Glacier National Park, the film "captures the natural splendor of Montana and an authenticity that amplifies its storytelling," said writer/director Brandon Smith. 

Gates said the film is "a heartfelt drama" that is both topical and relatable. 

"I hope by watching this film, they can open their minds and hearts to what it's like having your livelihood at stake, and relating to someone who shares opposite views that you do," she said.

For more information, visit https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11898070.