The independent feature film “Plight” made its way to Boulder for a red carpet premiere at the Dairy Arts Center on July 6-7, as part of a 10-city theatrical release this summer.
Set in the gritty heart of Braddock, Pennsylvania, known as “Steeltown, U.S.A.,” “Plight” explores timely themes of justice, loss and unexpected connection.
The film follows Joe, a grieving father, and Valentina, a Ukrainian immigrant, as they form an unlikely partnership in search of answers after a tragic hit-and-run upends both their lives. As authorities fail to find the culprit, the two take matters into their own hands, launching a gripping search for truth and accountability.
“Plight” made its world premiere as a showcase selection at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival and went on to win best picture at four additional festivals.
The director, MJ Alhabeeb Jr., also won Best Director at the Orlando Film Festival.
While the story is set in the Midwest, its ties to Colorado run deep. Much of the film was locally produced, with several cast and crew members connected to the Boulder area.
Lead actor Matthew J. Plumb, best known as the voice of the Premier League on NBC, spent 14 years living in Colorado and previously worked as a technical director at the publishing company Sounds True in Louisville, Colorado.
“I’d worked with MJ before and got to grow with him and Heather, the producer,” Plumb said. “Once I read the script, I was in. It’s a meaty role. A good, fun role to play. Plus, my dog, Chas, makes an appearance. He’s now immortalized in the film, which was great.”
The film also marked the feature debut of Grace Kohler, a Boulder native and CU theater graduate. Now acting and modeling in Hawaii, Kohler returned to her roots for “Plight,” drawn in by the story’s emotional weight.
“I love the meaning behind this film,” Kohler said. “The strong themes of justice, right and wrong, and family. Those are really important.”
Director and writer Alhabeeb Jr. emphasized the collaborative spirit that made “Plight” possible, especially during the height of COVID-19.
“We found not only one of our lead actresses but some of our crew, investors and even a medical team from Colorado that helped us test and work safely during production,” he said. “It was pre-vaccine, so getting this made was a real feat.”
Kohler echoed that sentiment, recalling the close bond formed on set. “We were all quarantining together, eating together. It was just really special.”
On the second day of the Boulder premiere, a smaller but enthusiastic crowd gathered to experience the emotionally charged indie film.
“You may not agree with every decision that every character makes,” Alhabeeb Jr. said, “but if you can at least understand or identify with where they’re coming from, for me, that’s the beauty of cinema.”
Alhabeeb Jr. added that he views family as one of the film’s central themes.
“People can have non-negotiables with protecting and honoring their family. A lot of people will go to great lengths to do that,” he said.
Speaking alongside the first Assistant Director Alex Rhodes-Wilmere, the second Assistant Director Evan Diercks-Brown and co-producer Jeff Rood, Alhabeeb Jr. reflected on the challenges of bringing the film to life during one of the most difficult times in independent filmmaking.
“We shot this November 2020, pre-vaccine. So that’s a whole story unto itself,” he said.
One of the most difficult scenes to shoot, Alhabeeb Jr. noted, was the fight sequence involving Patrick and JJ.
“It was freezing cold,” Alhabeeb Jr. said. “Batteries and follow focus froze — we couldn’t charge anything.”
Despite the conditions, the team adapted.
“We said the only way we can do this is if we lock the camera. You can’t really move around too much,” Alhabeeb Jr. explained. “It’s a pivotal scene. I wanted the audience to be immersed in the action… but we had to shoot it with a stationary camera.”
The film’s climactic moments were shot at the end of production. “You’re doing the climax at the very, very end,” Rhodes-Wilmere said. “It just sort of feels like you’re white-knuckling production. You’re finishing a shoot, everybody’s very tired, and it was just really emotionally intense.”
Still, “Plight” delivered with its blend of heartfelt performances, social relevance and local roots, leaving an impact on Boulder audiences.
“I’m drawn to stories that challenge our moral compass, especially when faced with impossible choices,” Alhabeeb Jr. said.
For more information on where to watch Plight visit Plightfilm.com
Contact CU Independent Arts Editor Lou Leclercq at louison.leclercq@colorado.edu
