‘Break the Mold – the Zach Bates Story” will play at the Stargazer 5 location in Safford beginning, Friday, Oct. 13.
Contributed Article/Courtesy Holt Hamilton Films
SAFFORD ─ Arizona resident Holt Hamilton’s newest film “Break the Mold – the Zach Bates Story” will play on the big screen at Allen Theatres Stargazer 5 location in Safford starting on Oct. 13 and will run for at least one week. The independent documentary, an Arizona-produced project, will go up against Hollywood and compete for local audiences.
“We’re a very small fish attempting to play on the exact same field as the big leaguers,” said director Holt Hamilton. “Just to get a screen during this time of year, and as a documentary, is unheard of. It’s more than a miracle. Allen Theatres have been extremely supportive of my films over the years and to get to play on the screen next to major fall movies is huge, our own little David and Goliath story.”
“Break the Mold” follows local Arizonan, and Snowflake resident, Zach Bates’ incredible journey as he chases his dream to compete in his first 100-mile ultra race before turning 20. Bates, now 21, has since completed three 100-mile races and was the youngest finisher at the 2023 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.
“My wife shared an article about an amazing story with a 19-year-old autistic runner. I read it and immediately contacted Zach’s mother Rana. A few days later we were on our way to capture his beautiful story,” Hamilton said.
The film’s goal is to share Zach’s passion, drive, and determination to break the mold that holds us from accomplishing greater goals. Zach’s story will inspire all to not let circumstances, or things we cannot change, stop ourselves from dreaming big and putting in the work, to chase those dreams down.
The film has played with success in California, Utah, other parts of Arizona, and now Safford.
“We’re getting highly positive reviews. A couple of my favorites that expanded my vision for the film are ‘The world needs to see this film’ and ‘You need to show this film in every school in the country’ and that’s what we are trying to do one theatre at a time and eventually one school at a time,” Hamilton said.
Movie tickets can be purchased at Allen’s website https://www.allentheatresinc.com/theater/stargazer_5/ and in person. Tickets can also be purchased and donated to families impacted by autism in the local areas. Please visit www.HoltHamilton.com for more info on donating tickets. Or simply click here to see the trailer and buy tickets.
The documentary will continue to be screened around the country.
“We plan to screen the film in 100 theaters, and as many schools as possible,” Hamilton said. “The film has a life of its own.”
Holt Hamilton Films is a veteran-owned, Arizona-based company committed to sharing stories that will make for a better world: providing quality, family-friendly, uplifting wholesome entertainment
