University News

Graduate Student Screening Latest Movie at Sandburg Theatre

May 1, 2025

Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University graduate student Erik Larsen is bringing his latest project to campus.

Larsen, who is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, is featured in the upcoming film "The Wedding Party," produced by District 22. The film has been selected to appear in the Yellowstone Film Festival, the Zions Indie Film Fest, the 12th Annual LDUB Film Festival and the Zepstone International Film and Music Festival.

The WIU College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) will be screening the movie in the Sandburg Theatre at 7 p.m., Sunday, May 4 and it is free and open to the public.

"This film continues to surprise us with its success," Larsen said. "It is such a milestone for the studio as a whole, but also for us all as individual artists. To see the laurels at the top of the poster does nothing but warm my heart and testify to all the heart and hard work we have in this movie."

The movie focuses on four soon-to-be step-siblings as they set off on a 1,400-mile road trip to set aside their differences and become a blended family. Larsen plays Theo, described as an out-of-work actor struggling with his career choices.

"Theo is a young actor who has had some success in his life but is stuck trying to figure out what his next big step is," Larsen said. "Because of some things in his past, he is very hesitant to trust himself or his impulses. The things he is sure of are: his love for his brother and family, as well as his ability to keep on smiling."

Larsen spent his childhood making movies in his backyard with his cousin, Kyle, who directed "The Wedding Party." That ambition has propelled them to an official film in 2016, earning accolades that encouraged Larsen to pursue an education in theatre.

"We both spent our education pursuing theatre and storytelling," Larsen said. "In June of 2016, we made our first official film together and it won us some pretty amazing awards and even afforded us the opportunity to take our short film to Paris, France! After that, we have been working on a variety of projects at District 22 Studios."

Larsen said he is excited to share this film with the WIU community.

"I am so grateful for anyone who is able to come out and see the film and support us!" Larsen said. "Thank you to WIU for allowing us the opportunity to share our project! This is a story about love, second chances and blended families. Come ready to laugh, cry and have a good time."

For more information on the WIU Theatre Department, please visit wiu.edu/theatre.

Posted By: Aaron Viner (AP-Viner@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing