Principal photography begins for "Dear William" film in Mississippi

GREENWOOD, Miss., Sept. 3, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Principal photography has commenced in Mississippi for the feature adaptation of best-selling memoir "Dear William," bringing a poignant family story to the big screen. The film, written and directed by Andrew Hyatt, will be produced by David D. Magee, the author of the memoir. The project is set to shoot for about five weeks, with primary locations in Greenwood and select scenes at the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford.

The story follows the Magee family through their trials and triumphs, detailing their journey from addiction, grief, and profound loss to healing, hope, and renewed purpose. The project has received significant support, with an $800,000 grant from the Mississippi Attorney General's Opioid Settlement Fund. This funding is part of a broader statewide prevention initiative aimed at helping families navigate addiction, recovery, and mental well-being through storytelling, education, and community engagement.

Magee expressed, "Like so many families, we never imagined addiction would become part of our story. This film is about losing one another, finding our way back, and discovering that healing is possible. We hope it helps other families believe the same is true for them."

The film stars Matt Passmore, Gabriel Nagy, Emily Rose, and Hudson Macready, with Passmore taking on the role of David D. Magee, the memoir's author. Hyatt's most recent projects include the film "The Blind," which chronicled the early life of Phil Robertson, and previous directing credits such as "Paul, Apostle of Christ," "Full of Grace," and "Sight."

Principal photography will take place in Greenwood, with additional scenes filmed on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford. Production is occurring under the Mississippi Motion Picture Incentive Program, which supports film and television productions in the state.

Magee commented, "This story has always belonged to Mississippi. Students and families here have been part of it from the beginning. This is a storytelling state, there was never another place to make it."

The film, titled "Dear William," is produced by Magee, Cory Pyke, and Eric Groth. David D. Magee, a best-selling author and producer, is also the founder of The Magee Foundation. His memoir, "Dear William: A Father's Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love and Loss," was a Publishers Weekly national bestseller and a Best Book of the South. Magee is also the author of the forthcoming "Walk With Me: A Father and Son Find Their Way Together," set for release in May 2027. He has established the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing and the William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education at the University of Mississippi, and works with schools and communities across the country using storytelling. Magee lives in Oxford, Mississippi.