On the eve of his eleventh birthday he must choose between leaving home or following his brother down a path of violence and destruction in this coming of age story

Based on the Award Winning Story, ‘Fort Apache’ follows a precocious young boy as he struggles to escape small town life. A wonderful fluent film that connects with so many that live in small towns. Going beyond this, director Addison Mehr’s personal ties to the story – growing up as a small town boy – helps make even city boys feel this immersive bond with the character and film.

I grew up in a really small town where the nearest movie theatre was over an hour away. For me, film has always been an escape- a way out, a way to transport myself into another world, and ultimately a way for me to reflect back on myself and make sense of the world around me. Fort Apache speaks to the power of movies, not only as escape but also as a way to bring people together to take part in the crazy shared fever dream that is film.

Addison Mehr’s wonderful direction and tone almost tells the story on its own, along with its outstanding vintage decor and costume to support the marvellous cast. Addison had an explicit vision, and he did an outstanding job at bringing it together.

While Fort Apache is a coming of age story, it’s also a story about feeling left out and the universal struggle to find your place. To me, the story is about pushing against boundaries and dealing with the frustrations, bitter disappointments, and ultimate realizations of growing up. It’s about escape and the deep desire to transcend ones time and place. I like to think everyone is searching to find their own mythical “Fort Apache”.

Watch Addison Mehr’s music video for Small Black – No Strangers