A new film, which follows the clash of two families in the fall of civilization and the plans God has in store is being well received nationwide.
Based on the best-selling book series, Black Autumn, by Jeff Kirkham and Jason Ross, this new post-apocalyptic family survival drama directed by Ben Smallbone, follows the families, an ultra-prepared, wealthy family and the military veteran family they’ve hired for property security, to a homestead.
"They learn how to live. Learn how to work together. And ultimately, challenge how they're going to live because the world starts to change as the power grid collapses, and the internet is down. Gasoline starts to run out. Food becomes scarce," Jesse Hutch explained.
Hutch, a Canadian-born actor who drowned at 19 and fell from a 25-foot rock quarry while free climbing in middle school, plays the role of an ex-Green Beret in Homestead.
Hutch received in-depth training from actual green berets and marines leading up to filming.
"To play a green beret, to be training with green berets, to be representing, you know, our men and women who serve, was a real honour to me," Hutch explained. "As a performer, I want to honour the people I represent."
Hutch picked up the training so well that veterans would come up to him after the show and ask him where he served and how long.
"It's one of the biggest compliments I could ever get," said Hutch. "We're not doing heart surgery, yet people's hearts are so touched by some of this stuff."
When watching Homestead, Hutch hopes viewers will evaluate where they're at.
"I mean have a really good look inside and decide if you're happy where you are. If you're not, what is it? Try to pinpoint it and know that you can make a change. There is always someone around you that needs you, and it could be family. It could be a neighbour, it could be a stranger," Hutch explained. " I think Homestead really opened my eyes to the importance of community."
Homestead launched as a hybrid concept with the feature film debuting in theatres in December 2024. It has now transitioned into a television series that can be streamed online.