“Sacramento,” an independent film that stars Kristen Stewart and Michael Cera and was shot at several locations in the city last year, recently premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival to positive reviews.
The comedy-drama has been acquired by Vertical for distribution across North America, the UK, and Ireland later this year.
The City of Sacramento’s Film and Media Office worked with the production to secure locations and permits. The office also served as a liaison with neighborhoods and coordinated other details including parking, security and street closures.
“We are thrilled to see ‘Sacramento’ receive positive recognition and secure a major distribution deal,” said Sacramento Film Commissioner Jennifer West. “Our team worked diligently to support the filmmakers, and it’s rewarding to see our city shine on the big screen.”
“‘Sacramento” features scenes shot in various well-known locations, including Old Sacramento, Gunther’s Ice Cream shop, East Sacramento, the R Street Corridor and downtown.
The plot follows Ricky (Michael Angarano), who drags his best friend Glenn (Cera) on a road trip after being kicked out of his convalescent home. Glenn, about to start a family with his wife Rosie (Stewart), is weary of Ricky’s antics. Together, they confront their past and future. Maya Erskine also stars as a key figure in Ricky’s life.
Deadline Hollywood’s Valerie Complex praised the film in her review. “For a film that invites you to laugh and reflect, traveling through Sacramento is a journey worth taking,” she wrote.
“Sacramento” is part of a growing trend of films choosing the city as a backdrop. Another high-profile movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is scheduled for release in August 2025, though its title remains undisclosed.
Economic impacts of “Sacramento”
According to figures released by the Sacramento Film and Media Office, the production resulted in these economic gains for the city:
- $100,000 in local spending
- 180 hotel nights
- 6 local hires
- 2 film days
About Sacramento Film and Media
Sacramento Film and Media office provides essential services to those interested in filming in the Sacramento area. The office works to leverage regional location assets, strengthen local crews, assist local filmmakers and attract out-of-town productions.
Sacramento Film and Media carries out film permitting and provides location assistance, production information, ordinance and regulatory information, internships and grant opportunities.
Fifty film permits have been issued in 2024. Even with union strikes in the film industry, the Film Office issued 73 permits in 2023 for 161 days of filming. This resulted in 411 local hires, 836 hotel nights and had a direct economic impact of over $2 million.
