Central ND News

A new feature film telling the story of North Dakota’s Hazel Miner is set to premiere in Bismarck on September 26. “Hazel,” written and directed by Daniel Bielinski, who leads the dramatic arts program at the University of Mary and is founder of Canticle Productions, depicts the true events surrounding a 16-year-old farm girl from Center, North Dakota. Miner’s actions during a deadly blizzard in March 1920 have become part of state history.

The film was produced by Canticle Productions and D&N Cinematics and shot entirely in Bismarck during May 2024. To recreate the severe conditions of the blizzard, filmmakers converted a vacant K-Mart in north Bismarck into a snow-covered prairie scene using practical effects such as fog, snow machines, and modular sculptures. The premiere will be held at the Grand Theater in Bismarck with an after-party for cast and crew at the Bismarck Event Center that includes a Q&A session and interactive exhibits about filmmaking.

After its debut, “Hazel” will be shown at select theaters across North Dakota, with plans for wider theatrical and streaming releases.

The story centers on Hazel Miner’s efforts to protect her younger siblings when their family was caught in a sudden spring storm. Bielinski described his connection to the story: “It’s a profoundly moving story of sacrificial love,” he said. “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.”

Bielinski added that faith played an important role in both Hazel’s life and his approach to storytelling: “It was important to me that we felt the Christianity of the story without being hit over the head with it,” he 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.”

University of Mary students played significant roles both behind-the-scenes and on-screen during production. Four students worked as assistants or extras throughout filming.

University junior Isabella Sletteland contributed as a production assistant: “It was truly an amazing thing to be a part of,” she said. “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.”

Anthony Sester, pursuing his master’s degree at Mary from Rogers, Minnesota, worked on special effects: “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 reflected further on her experience: “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...I learned that I love to support people in their creativity and to help make a space for great art to happen.”

Bielinski highlighted how student involvement offered lessons beyond technical skills: “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.”

The cast features Madelyn Dundon as Hazel Miner along with Stelio Savante (“Infidel”), Laurie Fortier (“The Walking Dead”), Todd Terry (“Breaking Bad”), local actors from North Dakota, dozens working behind-the-scenes, as well as hundreds serving as extras.

Bielinski believes Miner’s story has broad relevance: “Stories like Hazel’s are important...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 triumphs...In the end...that is what Hazel Miner’s story is—a beautiful and triumphant sacrifice...This isn’t just a regional story—it’s universal.”

Screenings following Bismarck's premiere include dates in Minot (October 3), Williston (October 4), Fargo (October 10), Belfield (October 11), Watford City (October 18), among others.