A filmmaker with ties to the Pembina Valley is receiving international acclaim for his latest work.

Writer, Director, and Producer Dale Hildebrand will see his latest film, Road to the Lemon Grove, premiere at the Polo Park Cineplex in Winnipeg Labour Day weekend.

With roots that run deep in Southern Manitoba, Hildebrand grew up in the village of Halbstadt near Altona. He says filmmaking requires no shortage of hard work and persistence, traits he picked up on the farm. "I compare filmmaking to farming because you plant a seed and hope something comes to fruition... my work ethic came from the farm and my upbringing and I carried it on in this field."

Hildebrand has a long storied career already, known for films like T O in 2 4, winner of 28 international awards, three Gemini nominations, and a Gemini win. He's also worked as a cinematographer, embedded behind enemy lines in Afghanistan for the feature film Hyena Road. His latest work is intensely personal, however, as the story follows a son dealing with the death of his father. Hildebrand's own father passed away shortly before preproduction began.

"This story was quite important to me," he says.

The film also boasts a number of high profile actor like Rocky alumnus Burt Young and Nick Mancuso who is a veteran actor with more than 300 films to his name. Former Morden resident and acclaimed singer Loreena McKennitt also lends her talents to the film as the voice of God.

The film is opening in 16 cities across Canada, almost unheard of for independent films.

"It's quite exciting for us," he says.

Road to the Lemon Grove has already garnered Best Comedy Feature Film at the Edmonton International Film Festival and Best in Performance and Best in Italian-Canadian Cinema at the Italian Contemporary Film Festival.

Watch the trailer here: