(Film Projects - Photo Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

NEW MARTINSVILLE — Director Eddie Mensore and production and costume designer Michael McKowen’s film “Hazard” explores the opioid crisis impacting Appalachia in theatres beginning Friday.

Hailing from New Martinsville, Mensore and McKowen are committed to authentically portraying the stories of their Appalachian roots. “Hazard” is a testament to their shared dedication to highlighting the resilience and culture of the Central Appalachian mountains.

Mensore’s passion for his community is evident in his previous work, including the critically acclaimed coal mine drama “Mine 9,” a box office hit in the region in 2019. With “Hazard,” he takes a heartfelt and unflinching look at the opioid crisis, with a cast that includes Sosie Bacon (“Smile”), Alex Roe (“Rings,” “Forever My Girl”), Dave Davis (“The Vigil,” “Renfield”), Steven Ogg (“The Walking Dead,” “Snowpiercer”), and West Virginia native Kevin Sizemore (“Mine 9”).

McKowen’s production and costume design bring further authenticity to the film. A fellow New Martinsville native, McKowen approached the project with a personal connection to its themes. “Being from the region, I felt a responsibility to get the details right,” he said. “The visuals needed to reflect the lived-in reality of these communities. Spending time with locals and hearing their stories helped us craft sets and costumes that felt true to life.”

Set in a small mining town grappling with the opioid crisis, “Hazard” follows Will, a reluctant drug dealer determined to protect his family from the devastation of addiction.

The story explores themes of resilience, sacrifice and survival as Will navigates the harrowing choices that threaten to entangle him further in chaos.

The film will make its theatrical debut on Friday, with screenings in more than two dozen theaters across Appalachia. A broader regional release will follow on Jan. 17, leading up to showings in New York on Jan. 31 and Los Angeles on Feb. 7.

Mensore, McKowen, Roe and Davis will attend select screenings and host community panels addressing addiction and mental health. Special advance screenings will be this week, culminating in a red carpet event in Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday.

Screenings in this area will take place Friday at the Movie House 3 in New Martinsville, the Robey Theatre in Spencer and Movies 10 in Nelsonville.

Additional details and screening information are available online at www.hazardthemovie.com.