Hazel: True Story of Heroism and Faith Premieres in Bismarck Sept. 26

Feature film about North Dakota farm girl's Christ-like sacrifice brings history, faith, and artistry to life with local talent and University of Mary students at the heart of production

BISMARCK, N.D. - A story of courage, faith, and enduring love-rooted in North Dakota history yet resonant across time-comes to the big screen this month as "Hazel" makes its world premiere in Bismarck on Friday, September 26. Written and directed by University of Mary Dramatic Arts director and Canticle Productions founder Daniel Bielinski, the feature-length drama tells the true story of 16-year-old farm girl Hazel Miner from Center, N.D., whose selfless actions during a deadly 1920 blizzard became legendary.

Produced by Canticle Productions and D&N Cinematics, "Hazel" was filmed in May 2024 entirely in Bismarck, where filmmakers transformed a vacant K-Mart in north Bismarck into a snowbound prairie and recreated one of the most harrowing nights in state history. The premiere will be hosted at the Grand Theater in Bismarck, followed by an after-party with cast and crew at the Bismarck Event Center featuring a Q&A session and interactive experiences reflecting the filmmaking process.

Following its Bismarck debut, "Hazel" will have limited screenings across North Dakota, with plans to expand into a wider theatrical and streaming release. Tickets are available and the trailer can be watched at hazelmovie.com.

A True Story of Sacrificial Courage

On March 15, 1920, a sudden spring blizzard swept across the prairies of North Dakota. Hazel Miner, along with her younger siblings, faced life-threatening conditions as the storm overtook the landscape. Hazel's courage, resourcefulness, and care for her family stand as a testament to the enduring power of love and faith.

"It's a profoundly moving story of sacrificial love," said Bielinski, who is in his tenth year at the University of Mary. "Being a parent myself, I wrestle daily with the challenge of loving my children in an unselfish and sacrificial way. I think what I find so inspiring about Hazel's sacrifice is the purity of her love. What she had to offer, and what made her so beautifully strong, was her love, pure and simple. I wrote the screenplay for 'Hazel' during a three-day blizzard, when the streets were closed due to massive amounts of snow. I sat in my bedroom, watching the snow fall out the window, and wept my way through the entire script. It was the perfect setting."

Hazel's story is one of Christ-like sacrifice. "It was important to me that we felt the Christianity of the story without being hit over the head with it," Bielinski said. "Hazel's story is inspiring to me because she wasn't an extraordinary person. She wasn't a superhero or the sort of person who lives in the spotlight. She didn't beat up bad guys or do double-somersaults off of buildings. She was a very small and humble farm-girl who found strength and heroism through sacrificial love. I think that's what real heroism is, and I think that is how true faith manifests itself-in love."

Filming Faith, History, and Snow in a Vacant K-Mart

Shooting a winter story in May posed unique challenges. To capture the harsh realities of the 1920 blizzard, the crew repurposed a vacant K-Mart in north Bismarck into a frozen prairie landscape. Massive frames, Masonite walls, plastic sheeting, fog, snow machines, and modular snow sculptures brought the storm to life on set.

"It was truly an amazing thing to be a part of," said University of Mary junior Isabella Sletteland of Bismarck, who worked as a production assistant. "I saw in it its early stages and the first screen tests. I was there to help build it and make it the fantastic end product that you see on the screen. The possibilities of practical effects in film are so impressive and so worth all the work that goes into developing them. On the days filming inside the winter set, I felt myself be surprised that I was warm rather than freezing cold and on several occasions, I was surprised to look down at myself in my t-shirt and jeans when everything around me told me that I should be shivering and freezing. It was truly immersive for everyone involved and a great feat accomplished by the art department and visual effects."

The production drew on professional actors and local talent. "Hazel" stars Madelyn Dundon in the title role, alongside veteran performers Stelio Savante ("Infidel"), Laurie Fortier ("The Walking Dead"), and Todd Terry ("Breaking Bad"). Behind the scenes, dozens of North Dakota crew members and hundreds of extras contributed to the project.

Students at the Heart of the Story

For Bielinski, who leads the University of Mary's dramatic arts program, involving students was central to the vision. Four Mary students served in roles on and off screen, gaining hands-on experience in professional filmmaking.

Anthony Sester, a second-year master's student from Rogers, Minnesota, worked in the art department and as a special effects production assistant. "I was just completely astonished by the number of incredible industry professionals that I was surrounded by. I just felt fortunate to be there. It was meaningful to me to be treated as an individual with dignity while still being held to high standards. I never felt as though I was less than anyone else, even though I played a menial part. I was walking around with incredible talent and shooting the breeze!" Sester said.

Sletteland said the project was transformative. "I learned that I function well under pressure and am able to be very flexible on the job site. My skill set works well with what a film set demands and I'm always excited to learn more. As someone who loves to constantly be learning, set is a great place to be as every day is different and new technology and ideas are always being introduced. I learned that I love to support people in their creativity and to help make a space for great art to happen. I love every aspect and every department, and I can't wait to work more in this industry."

Bielinski emphasized that student involvement was not just about technical skills, but about experiencing faith-infused storytelling firsthand. "Students were able to see a story of heroism rooted in faith and love come to life," he said. "That's invaluable. They aren't just learning filmmaking-they're learning how art can communicate profound human truths."

A Story for All Audiences

Though deeply rooted in North Dakota history, Bielinski hopes "Hazel" resonates far beyond the prairie. "Stories like Hazel's are important. The world is full of ugliness, and it seems that movies and television relish almost exclusively in exploring the many facets of that ugliness. While I think there's some merit to confronting the world with its sins and failures, I think it is equally important to celebrate the beauties and the triumphs, as well. In the end, I feel that is what Hazel Miner's story is-a beautiful and triumphant sacrifice. This isn't just a regional story-it's universal. We all long for examples of courage, faith, and selflessness. Hazel Miner embodies those qualities in a way that speaks to everyone."

Premiere Details

The world premiere of "Hazel" will take place Friday and Saturday, September 26-27, at the Grand Theater in Bismarck, followed by an after-party with cast and crew.

After its debut, "Hazel" will roll out to theaters across North Dakota:

• Bismarck - Grand Theater - September 26 & 27
• Minot - Oak Park Theater - October 3
• Williston - Grand Theatre - October 4
• Fargo - Fargo Theatre - October 10
• Belfield - Belfield Theater - October 11
• Watford City - Six Shooters Showhall - October 18

Tickets and additional information are available at hazelmovie.com. Audiences can also look forward to Bielinski's upcoming fall theater production, "Baskerville" - a fast-paced, comedic mystery featuring Sherlock Holmes - running November 21-23 at Arno Gustin Hall on the University of Mary campus. Theatergoers are encouraged to mark their calendars for this thrilling and hilarious stage adventure.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at https://www.umary.edu or online.umary.edu, or by contacting an admissions representative at [email protected], or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 23 Recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and universities in the US.

About the University of Mary: True to its motto "lumen vitae"-The Light of Life-the University of Mary offers education for the whole of life through cutting-edge professional programs and graduate programs animated by moral courage and leadership in chosen professions and service to the community. A private, co-educational Catholic institution, the University of Mary welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

A Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Mary offers over 60 bachelor's, 15 master's, and five doctoral programs-in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 19-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) conferences. With more than 3,800 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.