TEXARKANA, Texas – October 8, 2026 — Northeast Texas independent film company New Shepherd Films today announces its upcoming fourth feature film, Footprints – The Sound of Silence. The project is an inspirational military drama centering on the human-animal bond and will be filmed entirely on location in the Texarkana area.
To introduce the public to the production team and share details about the project, New Shepherd Films will host a community kickoff event on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The event will take place at the Texarkana Convention Center, located at 4610 Cowhorn Creek Rd in Texarkana, Texas. Admission to the event is completely free, but because space is limited, attendees are requested to sign up online in advance to secure their seats.
Based on actual events, Footprints – The Sound of Silence is written and directed by multi-award-winning screenwriter and director Jim Huggins, with global marketing, licensing, and distribution committed by C3 Entertainment, Inc.
The film follows a powerful and timely narrative: After a devastating medical diagnosis shatters the life of a retired Lieutenant Colonel, he embarks on an emotional journey with his Service Dog of nearly ten years, a German Shepherd named Apollo, through the defining moments that shaped him—discovering that courage isn’t measured by the battles we fight, but by the love we’re willing to let go. Rather than focusing solely on trauma, the film is designed to celebrate resilience, healing, and the bond with quiet heroes—both human and animal—who leave footprints on our hearts.
To ensure the utmost authenticity in portraying invisible military injuries and the role of service animals, New Shepherd Films has expanded its production team to include top-tier industry and medical experts:
Award-winning cinematographer Jeff Schneider of WJD Films and Abel Martinez of Masch Global Media anchor the visual production team.
Makesha Parrish, LPC, founder of PARRIHOFF and an approved mental health provider within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Network, joins as the Mental Health Advisor. With 17 years of experience counseling Veterans experiencing PTSD, Parrish will ensure the film accurately and respectfully reflects the psychological realities of military service.
Stacey Hendershott, DVM, DABVP, along with the staff of Pleasant Grove Animal Hospital in Texarkana, will serve as Veterinary and Service Dog Advisors. Dr. Hendershott will provide critical guidance on story development involving service dogs, as well as on-set supervision and veterinary care for the film’s K9 actors.
“Stories have the power to change the way people see one another,” said Jim Huggins, Writer and Director. “Texarkana offers the perfect backdrop for this narrative. Our hope is that this film helps audiences better understand PTSD, honors the experiences and sacrifices of our nation’s Veterans, reduces mental health stigma, and shines a light on the remarkable, life-changing bond that exists between a Veteran and a service animal.”
About New Shepherd Films
New Shepherd Films is an independent production company with its studio operations based in Northeast Texas. Dedicated to compelling, narrative storytelling, the company specializes in bringing powerful, real-life dramas and inspiring human stories to global audiences with a focus on utilizing regional talent and locations. To date, New Shepherd Films’ portfolio has earned numerous domestic and international awards, recognizing excellence across its scripts, directors, producers, actors, and feature films. Footprints – The Sound of Silence marks the studio’s fourth feature film production and the second installment in its signature Footprints brand.
About C3 Entertainment, Inc.
C3 Entertainment, Inc. is a diversified entertainment company specializing in licensing, film production, distribution, and streaming TV media. Founded in 1959 by The Three Stooges, today C3 Entertainment, Inc. manages a vast portfolio of properties that includes The Three Stooges®, Valorous TV®, DogHouse TV+, and Faith Stories and Secrets. Visit www.c3entertainment.com for more information.
Media Contact:
Jim Huggins
Producer/Director
New Shepherd Films
Email: jim_huggins@newshepherdfilms.com
Phone: (401) 575-6974
Website: newshepherdfilms.com
Registration Link: www.new-shepherd-films.com/event-details/film-announcement-and-kick-off