THE FINAL RUN
A Film By Walter Czura
story by KATE HAMILTON PARDEE photos provided by FORTRESS FILMS
Walter Czura’s reputation in The Gentlemen Smugglers story is the first thing you might discover about him; this would put you at a disadvantage. The real excitement is that Czura has a new exciting film called The Final Run, being introduced and debuted at Ron and Rebecca Tucker’s 18th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF) on February 23 in Beaufort. After initially viewed by the Tuckers, the process continues with additional tiers of accomplished filmmakers for judging. The winners are the combination of the judge’s scores and the highest ratings in each category. The Final Run film by Walter Czura was accepted to debut at BIFF as one of the movies. This intense drama will have the audience on the edge of their seats as they meet the characters and grow to root for the convicted yet endearing protagonist. All will have to wait to see which filmmaker earns the prize on the awards night of the Festival.
Czura grew up with his two brothers and parents in Augusta, Georgia. He spent summers lifeguarding and sailing the local waters of Hilton Head. He attended the University of Georgia and University of South Carolina School of Law. After graduation, he began writing and produced his first novel called A Low Country Incident, which was a tale of civil disobedience. He found the whole process creatively satisfying and fulfilling.
In addition, he also spent a lot of time with his past fraternity friends, all college-educated yet soon to embark on becoming smugglers and pot runners. It was the 70s, and the marijuana market in Hilton Head produced twenty percent of the domestic market. He found this line of work “very exciting and thrilling, and the money was excellent.” He also points out that a lot has changed since then: “Marijuana is now legal in 38 of 50 states and 24 states for recreational use.” His timing was off. He adds, “Unfortunately, we also got caught.”
Czura paid his dues in federal prison after a conviction from the FBI investigation called “Operation Jackpot.” His partners in crime did time too. The story inspired the 2011 book Jackpot: High Times, High Seas, and the Sting That Launched the War on Drugs, written by former Beaufort Gazette reporter Jason Ryan.
Czura was disbarred, and his appeals to be reinstated were unsuccessful. He then started a successful billboard company called Marlin Outdoor Advertising in Hilton Head. He was married to his late wife Gwen, a successful reporter, and they had three daughters, Elle, Lane, and Maren. It also inspired Czura to focus more on his writing career.
Soon, he was working on his first film, an independent movie named Sherman’s March to the Sea, about General Sherman leading Union troops through the Confederate state of Georgia. There, the soldiers on the Georgia trails pillaged the countryside and destroyed military outposts, crushing the operations and the civilians Confederacy cause. “I loved researching the history and discovering more about the march.” The whole process energized him and made him want to write more.
His first film, The Final Run, will be shown at BIFF, instilling great anticipation and buzz in the local community. It is the story of retired Marine and convicted smuggler Pierce Butler, played by actor Jeff Fahey, who appeared in movies, such as Hypnotic, and the television show Lost.
Butler is confronted with an agonizing choice. After spending many years in prison paying his debts to society as a smuggler, he returns to his hometown in the Lowcountry. There, his wife Julia is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. With limited time and great expense for treatment, he is faced with a harrowing decision: Do one more last and dangerous pot deal for the needed money?
Czura says, “Who hasn’t at one time in their life, or known someone they are close to, faced an agonizing decision for someone they love? It might not be illegal, but these unexpected circumstances can be both relatable and excruciating or, at least, create empathy for others. In this case, for the protagonist Pierce Butler.”
The story progresses with long-time actor Judd Nelson playing sleazy retired DEA Sam Sloan. Sloan put Butler in prison under illegal and false circumstances. Sloan’s reputation is full of contradictions. He was a law official yet broke the laws he had sworn to abide by. Czura says, “It is similar to a biblical story, the road to Damascus, where unbelieving Saul has a soulful Jesus reckoning. He then converted to Christianity, becoming the apostle Paul and devoted to mission work. The relationship between Sloan and Butler in the movie is complicated and thought-provoking.”
Along the way, we meet Ella, Pierce Butler’s granddaughter, played by up-and-coming actor Maddie Henderson. Czura says, “She is a natural talent.”
All of this takes place and is filmed in beautiful Beaufort, where there are many places that the audience will recognize, making them feel right at home. Czura quickly points out, “I was so happy with how welcoming and accommodating Beaufort was during the filming that ended last January.” He especially liked to sharing the helpfulness of Shrimp Boat Captain and friend John Payne, who gave him the use of his 70-foot boat named the Buddy Roe.
Czura is proud of those who worked on the film beside the actors, crew, or locals. “Talented director Chris Helton and cinematographer Edward Guinn were at the helm, setting the professional tone,” says Czura.
The film is currently up for distribution from Lionsgate and Netflix. If this goes through, the movie will be available to audiences sometime next year, and the number of viewers will continue to grow.
There is already talk of a sequel, but first, The Final Run will be introduced at the Beaufort International Film Festival on February 23. What could be more enjoyable for many than watching a movie filmed in their hometown that is riveting too? For all others attending the screening, they too will be engrossed in the heartfelt dramatic story that is creating such a buzz. Don’t miss out on seeing the film The Final Run.
