Director, Ericson Core wanted to do something nice for the all the local people that were involved in the making of his movie. Core is the director of the Walt Disney movie, Togo that was filmed in and around Cochrane from June 2018 to February 2019. Ericson who lived in Cochrane for 8 1/2 months has nothing but good things to say about our town and residents. "I lived in the apartments here and walked past the Movie House everyday to the old Canadian Tire building, which was our production offices and it was a beautiful place to live."

To say thank-you, Ericson and Walt Disney Canada, did an invitation-only screening of Togo at the Cochrane Movie House on Wednesday December 11.

When asked if he would return to Cochrane to film again without hesitation he answered, "I would in a heartbeat, I would love to be up here. I might declare political asylum and stay this time."

Two of the dogs from Snowy Owl Sled-Dog Tours based out of Canmore, who were in the film were present at the screening. The dogs were puppies in the movie and are now full grown.They were very happy to see their director. When asked about working with animals Core replied, "One of the great things about animals is that they don't lie, they do what they do and they are what they are and that's all that you can hope for in a great actor to get the truth in a performance, the dogs always gave it."

Ericson Core says locals will recognize a lot of the areas in the film, "We shot a CL Ranch, Fortress Mountain, and the Kananaskis area. This is an Alberta film through and through. We didn't shoot on a sound stage, we didn't use green screens, we shot here for real and if you know Cochrane and the surrounding area you are going to know the film is made here." 

The movie is based on the true story of the sled dog,Togo who led the 1925, 600 mile journey to obtain serum to save children in Nome Alaska. Togo will debut on Disney Plus, December 20, 2019.