"Waterwalk" has Grand Rapids premiere | News

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- A film shot in West Michigan is making its big screen debut.

The local premiere of "Waterwalk" was held Thursday night at Celebration Cinema North on East Beltline Ave. NE in Grand Rapids.

The movie is based on the true story of a father and son who tried to retrace the 1,000 mile discovery route of the Mississippi River.

Some of the scenes were shot along Lake Michigan and in Montague, Whitehall, North Muskegon, Muskegon and Norton Shores. A local actress also shot her scene at Wisner's Canoe Rental in Newaygo.

"It was freezing," says Jacqui Bernhardt. "We were supposed to be in July. That's when I think the scene was set, but it was February. It was very, very cold to be wearing a t-shirt, but we did it. And I think it's still in the movie, so we're in there."

"Waterwalk" is being shown across the Midwest by major theater chains.

The film's production crew is already planning another Michigan film for later this summer.