A feature film shot right here in LaPorte County is finally available to the viewing public.

The Girls of Summer is a coming-of-age story about a talented girl who leaves her family farm to pursue her country music dreams.

Shot in the LaPorte County area, it’s the work of Oscar-nominated director John Hancock.

The film was released on Amazon last week.

Hancock says plans for a larger theatrical release were foiled by the pandemic, but the streaming option seems appropriate for the times. "All the theaters are closed," he says. "We were going to open, starting with New York and L.A., and expand theatrically. But we wanted to get it out, and we saw that this was a chance to bring it to people online during a time when they need something to watch."

The film was picked up by a distribution company called Indie Rights, which worked out a deal with Amazon. Hancock says the movie may also come out on other streaming platforms, like Hulu or Netflix. He also expects a DVD version to come out sometime. But he's especially excited to release the film's soundtrack. "It's got such wonderful songs," he says. "I want to put out a vinyl and a CD on it."

Hancock says early reviews have been good. The movie currently receives 4.5 stars out of 5 on Amazon. Streaming it is free for Prime members.