Hold Fast, from Rock Island Productions and Markham Street Films, is set to begin production on May 28 in Newfoundland.

The feature film stars Molly Parker (Deadwood), and a slew of young Newfoundland talent, including Avery Ash, Douglas Sullivan, Taylor Vincent and Tim Myles.

Justin Simms will direct the feature film, based on Kevin Major’s award-winning novel about two young Newfoundland men who struggle to survive after tragedy strikes.

Rock Island’s Rosemary House adapted the novel for the big screen, with support from Telefilm Canada, the Harold Greenberg Fund and The Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation.

House, and Markham Street’s Judy Holm and Michael McNamara will produce Hold Fast, which will be shot in and around St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Bauline, Tors Cove, La Manche Provincial Park and Gros Morne National Park.

Production financing comes from Telefilm Canada, tax credits and the Shaw Rocket Fund.

Entertainment One will distribute the film, which is slated for a 2013 theatrical release.