Cottonwood Premiere: Sheepdog

“Sheepdog” was a top award-winner at the 2025 Sedona International Film Festival, garnering the Directors’ Choice Award for Most Inspirational Film and two Audience Choice Awards: Best Feature Drama and the Best of Fest top award.

Sometimes we have to fall apart to find ourselves all over again.

Decorated U.S. Army combat veteran Calvin Cole (Steven Grayhm) is court ordered into treatment and into the care of a VA trauma therapist in-training (Academy Award Nominee Virginia Madsen), who works the night shift at a local diner to pay for college. Things become complicated when Calvin’s father-in-law and retired Vietnam Veteran (Emmy Nominee Vondie Curtis Hall), shows up on his doorstep, having just been released from prison.

As Calvin’s plan to run away from his life becomes impossible, he learns through support from his community, tough love, and compassion that he must put himself back together again for his family – and for himself.

“Sheepdog” is the first film that truly explores the physical and psychological repercussions of trauma, with a focus on Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). It is an uplifting original story, inspired by countless first-hand testimonials about recovery, redemption, and the journey of healing; themes that now mirror our post-pandemic zeitgeist.

“One of the best films of the year.” — Film Critic Tony Toscana

“Sheepdog” will show at Old Town Center for the Arts on Monday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 general admission and $9 for Film Festival members and $10 for students. Movie concessions will be available, including beer, wine, soft drinks, water, popcorn and a selection of movie candy.

For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Tickets can also be ordered in advance online at the BUY TICKETS link above.

Old Town Center for the Arts is located at 633 N. 5th Street (just off Main) in Cottonwood.