Alexi Pappas and Jeremy Teicher’s  film Tracktown premiered at the McDonald Theater in Eugene on Tuesday evening before a sold-out crowd.
The film, a fictional story based off of Pappas’s experiences and observations as a professional runner, was appropriately screened while the 2016 Olympic track and field trials are taking place in Eugene.
Director, writer, and producer Jeremy Teicher explained that it was a goal for the cast and crew to complete the film in time to have a screening during the trials. Tracktown originally premiered at the L.A. film festival in June.
Pappas portrayed Plumb Marigold, the lead role, opposite Chase Offerle.
Plumb is a runner who is preparing for the most important race of her life — the Olympic trials. The majority of the film follows Plumb during a day off from running, as she explores life off of the track, and navigates through the complexity of maintaining a romantic relationship alongside her demanding athletic schedule.
Offerle portrays Sawyer, an ordinary young man who works in a bakery, and eventually woos Plumb. Sawyer respects Plumb’s career, but often encourages her to take time off to be with him.
The film often included voiceovers of Pappas reading proverbs by various historical figures. This was certainly an inclusion of her own personality and rituals, as Pappas is known for posting and tweeting inspirational quotes and poems.
Tracktown was entirely shot in Eugene, and utilized many local businesses to use as sets. In most scenes, there were many “Eugene-like” quirks, such as the presence of Birkenstocks and tie-dyed socks.
“Everything was just real,” Teicher said about his settings.
Though many shots may have looked to be set up in a particular fashion to emphasize a bohemian vibe, he explained that it was an unbiased, honest look at Eugene.
“[We thought] what are the things that we love about Eugene?” Teicher said about the locations that were included in the film.
About the formulation of the character Plumb, Teicher described Pappas’s conception of her. According to Pappas, she is a “patchwork quilt of different stories and personalities” that stem from her own observations while on the track.
Tracktown also features accomplished actors, Rachel Dratch and Andy Buckley.
The film is expected to screen in multiple film festivals in the next few months. Screenings will be announced as they are confirmed.
To keep up to date with Tracktown, check out the film’s website here.
Follow Alexa Chedid on Twitter @alexachedid18