The Latest On "Choir Practice": 5 Shocking Details About The Tucson Crime Thriller Starring Danny Trejo
The highly anticipated action-crime thriller, "Choir Practice," has officially wrapped filming in the Southern Arizona borderlands, with the project now deep into post-production as of December 23, 2025. This locally-produced feature film, which has been hailed as a potential roadmap for the Tucson film community, is generating significant buzz not just for its gritty, real-world plot but for the legendary Hollywood star it attracted: Danny Trejo. The title itself is a provocative law enforcement euphemism for "after-work drinks," hinting at the dark, complex themes of the story, which is inspired by real events in the region.
The film’s successful production run—which culminated in a wrap in late May 2025—showcases the growing momentum of independent filmmaking in the "Old Pueblo." With a focus on authentic local talent and locations, "Choir Practice" is poised to be one of the biggest locally-produced movies to emerge from Arizona in years, shining a spotlight on the unique culture and challenges of the US-Mexico borderlands.
"Choir Practice" Key Cast, Crew, and Production Profile
The movie is a true passion project, driven by a dedicated team of Tucson locals and supported by an influx of established Hollywood talent. The production company, Flat Dog Films, spearheaded the effort, ensuring the story remained rooted in the Southern Arizona experience.
- Title: Choir Practice
- Genre: Action-Crime Thriller
- Writer & Director: Sally Shamrell (Former Tucson news reporter)
- Key Producers: Lisa Mandel (Flat Dog Films)
- Status: Post-Production (Filming wrapped in May 2025)
- Key Cast Members:
- Danny Trejo (Known for Machete, From Dusk Till Dawn)
- Lou Pimber (Collaborated with Trejo and Shamrell)
- Filming Locations: Tucson, Arizona, including St. Philip's in the Hills, Marana, and the wider Borderlands region.
- Thematic Focus: Migrant issues, law enforcement, faith, and local crime.
The Gritty Plot: Borderlands, Faith, and Betrayal
The narrative of "Choir Practice" is built on the complex realities of the Arizona borderlands, moving beyond simple action to explore deep human connections and moral dilemmas.
The story centers on a migrant teen navigating the treacherous landscape of the border. This young protagonist finds an unlikely source of guidance and aid in a Catholic priest, a figure of faith and moral authority in a chaotic world.
The tension escalates through the inclusion of a police officer, who is the best friend of the migrant teen. This relationship sets the stage for a conflict of loyalties, forcing characters to choose between the law, friendship, and survival.
Director Sally Shamrell, whose background as a news reporter gives her a unique perspective on local events, crafted the script to be authentic and grounded in the real-life struggles of Southern Arizona. The film's use of the title "Choir Practice"—a dark law enforcement slang—immediately establishes the movie's intent to delve into the shadows of the region's crime and justice system.
Danny Trejo and the Rise of Tucson as a Filming Hub
The casting of Danny Trejo was a major coup for the independent production, instantly raising the film's profile from a local effort to a nationally-watched project. Trejo, a legendary character actor known for his roles in high-octane action films, brings his signature gravitas to the Tucson-based story.
His involvement, alongside other talented actors like Lou Pimber, underscores the film's commitment to quality storytelling and performance.
The Local Economic and Cinematic Impact
The production of "Choir Practice" is seen as a pivotal moment for the Tucson film industry. By utilizing local crews, actors, and services, the film injected significant economic activity into the community, demonstrating the viability of large-scale feature film production in the "Old Pueblo."
The success of Flat Dog Films in securing both local funding and top-tier talent like Trejo is viewed as a blueprint for future filmmakers in the region. This effort is further supported by Arizona's renewed focus on film incentives, making Tucson an increasingly attractive location for cinematic projects.
Key Filming Locations That Set the Scene
One of the most notable and picturesque locations used during the March 2025 filming schedule was St. Philip's in the Hills, an iconic church in Tucson. This use of specific, recognizable local landmarks adds a layer of authenticity and familiarity for Arizona audiences.
The decision to film heavily in the borderlands—including areas like Ambos Nogales—ensures the movie’s setting is as much a character as the actors themselves. The desert landscape, the unique architecture of Southern Arizona, and the proximity to the US-Mexico border all contribute to the film's intense, atmospheric tone.
Anticipating the Release: What's Next for "Choir Practice"?
Since wrapping in late May 2025, the team has been focused on the crucial post-production phase, including editing, sound mixing, and color grading. This period is often where independent films secure their distribution deals or plan their festival circuit debut.
Given the star power of Danny Trejo and the topical nature of the crime thriller genre, industry insiders are highly anticipating its premiere. The film is expected to seek a strong showing at major film festivals before moving on to a wider distribution platform.
The movie is not just a local story; it is a SAG feature film project that aims to resonate with a national audience interested in border security, human smuggling, and the moral gray areas of law enforcement. Fans of action-crime thrillers and Arizona-based cinema should keep a close eye on film festival announcements and news from Flat Dog Films for the official release date, which is expected to be announced in the coming months.
Topical Entities and LSI Keywords
The narrative and production of "Choir Practice" connect to a wide range of relevant entities, establishing its topical authority within the crime-thriller and regional cinema genres:
- Danny Trejo
- Lou Pimber
- Sally Shamrell
- Lisa Mandel
- Flat Dog Films
- Tucson, Arizona
- Southern Arizona
- Arizona Borderlands
- Ambos Nogales
- St. Philip's in the Hills
- Law Enforcement Euphemism
- Migrant Teen Story
- Catholic Priest Character
- Crime Thriller Genre
- SAG Feature Film
- Old Pueblo Filmmaking
- Post-Production Status
- Local Film Incentives
- Action-Crime Thriller
- Tucson Film Community
- Real-Life Arizona Events
- Marana Filming Location
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