Film trucks parked at the Warren Community Hall last week were part of the production of Sticks and Stones, a feature film currently shooting across Manitoba. The movie, based on the curling career of U.S. Olympic skip John Shuster, is filming at rural and urban locations between Nov. 17 and Jan. 23.
Casting notices confirm that Paul Walter Hauser — known for his roles in I, Tonya, Richard Jewell and Black Bird — is portraying Shuster. Other announced cast members include Heather Hemmens and Corey Cott, with Winnipeg actor Kaelyn Yoon-MacRae appearing in a supporting role.
The film dramatizes Shuster’s decades-long journey in American curling, from early challenges and rebuilding years to his team’s historic gold-medal victory at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Directed by Winnipeg filmmaker Sean Garrity, the production is employing a large Manitoba crew and numerous local businesses.
Residents in Warren saw a full unit base set up in the community hall parking lot as scenes were shot nearby, marking another high-profile film choosing Manitoba communities for authentic winter sports backdrops.