Producer/Director Bruce Stacey Chats about New Movie "Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies"

Based on a short story by Canadian director and producer Bruce Stacey ("God Rocks!," "Journey to Christmas"), "Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies" will premiere in U.S. cinemas for a two-day-only event. This is the first of a planned trilogy that will follow the adventures of Melody, a gifted young dreamer, and her feisty friend Leif, as they work together to save their village from a menacing dragon.

Fathom Events, Chelsea Road Productions and Tricord Media present "Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies" in movie theaters nationwide on Saturday, March 24 at 12:55 p.m. and Monday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. (all local times). Audiences will also enjoy an original live-action short film featuring children's reactions to important themes raised in the feature content, as well as an exclusive music video.  

We are honored to be able to converse with writer and director Bruce Stacey about the movie.

Q - Tell us about "Ice Dragon" and how it came to be? 

"Ice Dragon" actually began as a short story that I wrote for my children 25 years ago during a time I was visiting Russia. I was there as part of a humanitarian team helping the needs of Russian orphans living in what was then, Leningrad. Communism was coming to an end across Europe and I wanted to explain the changing world to my young children. The original story was called Blue Daisies in the Summer of a Winter. It told the story of a people that lived in a peaceful mountain village where magical blue daisies bloomed in the hills. The daisies were a sign and a promise for the people who daily sang a song, "thanking God for the earth, the sea, the sky and the blue daisies". One day a bitter storm swept into the village, plunging their world into endless winter. In time, the people lost hope and forgot the song that had once brought them such peace and joy. When the people are dying and all seems lost, it is a small child who remembers the song and begins to sing in the midst of the storm. One by one, the people remember the song and with the child, their voices form a powerful chorus that defeats the evil storm. The short story sat in my drawer for over 20 years until I was encouraged to develop it into a film a few years ago.  

Q: How did you come up with the idea of a Song defeating the Dragon? 

The Song was a central element in the original story and it was important that this metaphor made it into the Ice Dragon film. When Nicholai tells Melody that, "Not all battles are won with a sword..." he is explaining that darkness first takes root in the heart. The battle for what is right and good must therefore be won there, not in the physical world. That is why Leif's unbelief works against him when he faces the dragon alone.  

Q: Is Ice Dragon a Christian movie? 

I suppose it depends on what you call a Christian movie. If you are asking me if Ice Dragon is a movie about the Bible, characters found in the Bible or a specific Bible passage I would say, no. However, in writing Ice Dragon I was directly inspired by Bible truth and themes such as faith, kindness, tolerance, courage, forgiveness and hope. Many classic works of fantasy literature and films have also embraced these themes, so I am in good company.  

Q: What do you hope moviegoers will take away from seeing the film? 

A fun, family movie experience is what first comes to mind! Although like any allegory or story with a moral, I hope they will also enjoy some meaningful conversation about the characters and story afterwards. For those interested, they can download a free, Family Activity Guide that highlights the character virtues in the movie, along with fun crafts and sing-along songs to enjoy. It is all at www.icedragonmovie.com.  

Q :What's next for you? 

Well for starters, there is more of the Ice Dragon story to tell! Even though the movie has a very satisfying ending, there are other mysteries to solve and some intriguing questions about key character in the story, yet to be revealed. I've imagined Ice Dragon as a trilogy, so we'll have to wait and see if this can happen! I also have a few other tales in that old story-drawer of mine, just waiting to be brought to life. Thanks for asking! 

"ICE DRAGON - Legend of the Blue Daisies" will be in theatres nation-wide March 24th and 26th. Visit: www.icedragonmovie.com for theatre location and times, ticket information and more! Bruce Stacey lives in Canada with his wife Elaine. They are blessed with four children and seven grandchildren. 

 

 

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