'Freedom' explores themes of redemption, resilience, cowboy spirit
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 4 weeks AGO
Post Falls author Anita Waggoner, seen here in her role of Birdie the bar owner, is stepping into the world of film with "Freedom," a modern-day, faith-based Western that explores themes of redemption, resilience and the cowboy spirit.
Courtesy photo
Anita Waggoner of Post Falls is pictured with Drew Pollock, the lead actor in her upcoming film, "Freedom." Waggoner recently returned to Idaho from Oklahoma City, where a local cast and crew filmed a short proof-of-concept reel designed for submission to Angel Studios. If accepted, "Freedom" will move into full feature production in Oklahoma.
Post Falls author and screenwriter Anita Waggoner is stepping into the world of film with "Freedom," a modern-day, faith-based Western that is capturing national attention for its themes of redemption, resilience and the cowboy spirit.
Waggoner recently returned to Idaho from Oklahoma City, where a local cast and crew filmed a "torch" — a short proof-of-concept reel — designed for submission to Angel Studios, the distributor behind "The Chosen" and other audience-supported projects. If accepted by Angel’s Guild, "Freedom" will move into full feature production in Oklahoma.
This marks Waggoner’s first film project. She also made her acting debut in the torch as Birdie the bar owner, a colorful character with roots in the Western saloon tradition.
“Freedom is inspired by the life I lived on my Oklahoma ranch,” Waggoner said in an October news release. “I ran a guest lodge and raised rodeo bulls that competed in Professional Bull Riders and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association events across the country. Those years taught me strength, and the 'Freedom' story reflects that.”
Waggoner's "Freedom" screenplay is a multi-award winner on the film festival circuit. Her newest script, "The Gambler," is also receiving national recognition at festivals for its raw historical storytelling.
The River City author was recently honored with admission to the Western Writers of America, a prestigious organization known for its commitment to preserving the stories of the American West. She is currently writing her next book, "The Way of the West: From the Heart of a Cowgirl," slated for release in January 2026. Like her screenplays, the book is inspired by her real-life journey and the values that shaped her time in the West … faith, independence and the unspoken code of the land.
Waggoner’s books are available on amazon.com.
Info: freedommovieproject.com
Anita Waggoner of Post Falls is pictured with Drew Pollock, the lead actor in her upcoming film, "Freedom." Waggoner recently returned to Idaho from Oklahoma City, where a local cast and crew filmed a short proof-of-concept reel designed for submission to Angel Studios. If accepted, "Freedom" will move into full feature production in Oklahoma.