A California writer and director recently was awarded a $50,000 Big Sky Film grant to eventually shoot a film in the Columbia Falls and West Glacier areas.

Filmmaker Anna Kerrigan plans to shoot a movie entitled “Cowboys” here, which is the story of a troubled, but well-intentioned father who kidnaps his own son and tries to take him to Canada.

Kerrigan, a native of Los Angeles, said she’s been working on the script for three or four years. She was familiar with the area because a childhood friend has a home in the valley.

Kerrigan said she’s already done some location scouting for the project, but the film needs further financing before she actually start shooting the movie.

Kerrigan has directed several other films including “Hot Seat” the TV series “The Impossibilities” and “Five Days Gone.”

The film grant can’t be used until actual production begins, Kerrigan noted, and is designed to support Montana businesses.