Principal photography has begun on director Joel Stewart’s first dramatic feature, Soul’s Road, in Edmonton.

The film is written and produced by John K. MacDonald of Edmonton-based Dept.9 Studios, with Don Depoe and Michael Feehan also serving as producers. Production is slated to wrap on Oct. 25.

Soul’s Road stars country music artist Dallas Smith as a disgraced rock star who returns to his hometown and the people he left behind. The film also stars Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle), Charlie Gillespie (Julie and the Phantoms), Celeste Desjardins (Taken), Josh Collins (The 100) and Camille Stopps (Guilt Free Zone).

The film is a privately-financed Canadian production, though details on the budget were not disclosed. No distributors or sales agents are attached as of press time, according to a spokesperson for the film.

“Having spent my career capturing musicians at work, I have always found great joy in those thrilling moments where music and story collide,” said director Stewart in a statement. “This is one of those times. I’m excited to watch our spectacular cast as they bring Johnny’s story to life.”

Pictured (L-R): (Top) Dallas Smith, Allan Hawco, Charlie Gillespie, (Bottom) Celeste Desjardins, Josh Collins and Camille Stopps