LOS ANGELES – Aug. 20, 2025 – Halfway to Amarillo, a heartfelt Western comedy produced by Mike Binder (Reign Over Me, Upside of Anger), is set to be released worldwide via Gravitas Ventures and Shout! Studios. Shot in just 11 days on a budget of under $60,000, the indie feature has already made its mark on the festival circuit, winning Best Independent Feature at IFS Los Angeles and Audience Choice at the Lake Travis Film Festival.
The story follows Michael Coleman, a struggling writer battling severe writer’s block as he races to finish his second novel, an 1880s Western. In a surreal twist, his novel’s protagonist, outlaw Eli West, and villainous sheriff Morgan Ambrose come to life in modern-day Los Angeles. As chaos unfolds and an unexpected romance blossoms between the two characters, Michael must confront his unraveling life, lost love and looming deadline.
Written, directed and led by Burt Binder, the film serves as a love letter to the Western genre while embracing modern themes of connection and creativity. Drawing inspiration from classics such as Lonesome Dove and contemporary works like The Power of the Dog and Brokeback Mountain, Binder crafted an “enemies to lovers” LGBTQ romance between Eli and Morgan, giving the film both humor and emotional resonance.
Produced with the guidance of Burt’s father, filmmaker Mike Binder, Halfway to Amarillo demonstrates the grit of independent filmmaking. Despite its modest budget, the film has earned critical acclaim for its heartfelt performances, innovative premise and balance of comedy with emotional depth.
Festival honors include Best Feature at the More Than Decent Film Festival, official selections at RiverRun International Film Festival, Malibu Film Festival, Chandler International Film Festival, and the Montreal Independent Film Festival.
The film stars Luke Jones as Eli West and Peter Giles as Morgan Ambrose, alongside Binder as Michael Coleman. Critics have praised its inventive approach, including Film Threat’s 9/10 review and a 4.5-star review from Mike’s Film Talk.
Released by Gravitas Ventures, the film is available to stream on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Tubi and Plex, as well as to rent or purchase on Google Play, Apple TV and Fandango.
“Through Michael’s struggle and Eli and Morgan’s bond, the film underscores the balance between creativity and human connection,” Binder said. “It’s a comedy with heart that speaks to artists and audiences alike.”
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