A film shot on Minnesota’s Iron Range is making its premiere. 

“I Am Not a Serial Killer” will premiere during the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, which runs March 11-19 in Austin, Texas.

In early 2015, “I Am Not a Serial Killer” was filmed in Virginia and surrounding areas of the Iron Range.

The supernatural thriller movie is based on the Dan Wells novel “I Am Not a Serial Killer.” The movie stars Christopher Lloyd, Max Records and Laura Fraser.

The story is about a 15-year-old teenager from the Midwest who lives by a set of rules designed to keep his impulses for violence in check.

Billy O’Brien, director of the film, said his crew came to the Iron Range looking for a town that echoed the fictional town of Clayton as depicted in the book.

O’Brien said he found perfect settings for the movie on the Iron Range and loved shooting the film in Virginia and surrounding areas.

About 139 films, including 89 world premieres and 52 from first-time filmmakers, will be screened at the nine-day SXSW Film Festival. 

IRRRB's Film Production Incentive Grant Program supported filming of the movie on the Iron Range.

In its 24th year of celebrating entrepreneurial excellence, the University of Minnesota Duluth Center for Economic Development (UMD CED) has issued a call for nominations for the annual Joel Labovitz Entrepreneurial Success Awards. 

A business may be nominated by a customer, client, employee, vendor or any individual who wants to recognize a business owner. Nominations are sought from throughout the region including: Minnesota’s Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St Louis counties, and Douglas County, Wisconsin.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and recognize those individuals who have taken risks that have created an economic impact and employment opportunities in our region.” said Elaine Hansen, UMD CED Director.

Nominations are due Friday, Feb. 26. Click here to nominate a business. Award recipients will be announced on Wednesday, April 20, at the Joel Labovitz Entrepreneurial Success Awards Luncheon at the DECC, as part of a regional celebration of U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Small Business Week.

IRRRB is a sponsor of the Labovitz Awards.

The Giants Ridge Fat Bike Enduro is set for Saturday, March 19 at 9 a.m. This 10 km trail ride to the top of Giants Ridge Alpine Hill will be followed by a Giant Slalom/Slopestyle downhill event, heading down Placid and finishing in front of the Spring Carnival tent. 

The $25 participation fee includes a burger lunch and a trail pass for the day. 

Email Giants Ridge to register or call 218-865-8005.

Learn more about this and other Giants Ridge events.

IRRRB publishes a print edition of The Ranger newsletter in the Mesabi Daily News, Hibbing Daily Tribune and Grand Rapids Herald-Review. 

Article topics in the latest issue include:

• Fairview Range behavioral health expansion addresses growing need (Pictured)
• Ely outdoor gear manufacturers keeping customers warm, happy
• Recharging the Range, a message from IRRRB Commissioner Mark Phillips

Read the print edition of The Ranger.

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