‘Bad River’ movie run extended in Ashland

The movie “Bad River” has been so popular at Ashland’s Bay Theater that it’s showings there are being extended.

“Bad River” was the top-grossing film at the Bay Theater over the past two weekends following its March 15 release, theater manager Jon Huybrecht said.

The roughly 90-minute documentary directed by Mary Mazzio chronicles the Bad River Band and its ongoing fight for sovereignty, which unfolds in a groundbreaking way through a series of shocking revelations, devastating losses and a powerful legacy of defiance and resilience, according to the movie’s website.

Based on its demand, the film will be shown at the theater for at least one more week and possibly more.

“It beat ‘Ghostbusters’ on its opening weekend,” Huybrecht said, referring to the recently released movie “Ghost Busters: Frozen Empire.” “We have not seen lines out the door on a Tuesday since ‘Barbie.’”

The movie debuted in Ashland but since has been screened in seven other cities, where it has drawn the attention of celebrities such as Mark Ruffalo, Leonardo DiCaprio and Channing Tatum.

Such a response is incredible for a documentary, Mazzio said.

“We are hearing stories of people flying to states where they can see the film, and many stories of people driving four to six hours to get to their nearest theater to watch, especially getting to Ashland,” she said.

For more information about the movie, visit badriverfilm.com. Half of all profits made by the movie will be donated to the Bad River Band.