Writer / director / producer / actor Chris Herriges (right) is bringing his film back to EC.

Every time he comes back to Eau Claire, film director (and Memorial High School grad) Chris Herriges feels a wave of nostalgia wash over him. He is excited his film The Vase is coming back to the Micon Cinemas Downtown Budget theater for a limited run later this month. “I think it builds pride in our region,” Herriges said of the comedy-drama, which was filmed in the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. “The hope is it brings regional interest.” If you want to take a sunny drive and explore the region, come see The Vase, he said. He heard someone describe it as a “soft, warm comedy,” which he agreed with. People who appreciate dry humor and colorful conversation will enjoy the film, he said. He tried to consider not only what he enjoys, but character growth, music and scenery, for example. The film focuses on a quest to obtain an inheritance that takes Brad (played by Herriges) and Monica (KariAnn Christensen) on a road trip from the Twin Cities to the Lake Pepin area and to Native America effigy mounds near Muscoda, Wis. Herriges hopes about 300 people come to see his film during its March 18-24 run (visit miconcinemas.com for screening times). On Friday, March 18, some of the cast members will probably stop by to say hello and answer questions following the movie. “If only Eau Claire embraced it (the film), I would feel rewarded,” he said.  Through the sale of DVDs and eventually by streaming the film through perhaps Netflix in the future, Herriges said he hopes thousands more in the Eau Claire area will enjoy The Vase. 

The Vase film screening • Friday, March 18 to Thursday, March 24 • see contact information for showtimes • Micon Cinemas Downtown Budget, 315 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • movie line (715) 874-7000 • miconcinemas.com