SANTA MONICA—Local Independent film actress Tanna Frederick returned to her Iowa roots this week to attend the Wild Rose Independent Film Festival, just before her next film, “Queen of the Lot,” opens in Hollywood on Thursday, November 18. Frederick tells Canyon News, “The film has been nominated for an amazing seven nominations. I’ll be flying out on Thursday and returning on Sunday. You will be my first call. It means so much to an actress in Hollywood to be recognized by the people from one’s home. I know you feel the same way,” said Frederick.

“Queen of the Lot” has the following nominations: Best Cinematography, Best Ensemble, Best Feature Film, Best Director-Feature Film: Henry Jaglom, Best Actress: Tanna Frederick, Best Actor: Noah Wyle and Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Rydell.

Canyon news spoke with Kimberly Busbee, who is the festival’s director and co-founder.

Q-What year is the festival in?

A-“We are in our eighth year! This year we have extended the Wild Rose from the usual three days to eight days! (It runs November 4-11 at the Fleur Cinema and Cafe in Des Moines).”

Q-We are beyond pleased with our film “Queen of the Lot” being nominated. Was it a fun process of selecting films to be nominated?

A-“It was a fun but very difficult process selecting films, especially this year with so many quality entries. We literally had hundreds of submissions that were very good and it was difficult to make choices. We have a two-step judging process. In the first step, entries are screened and pared down to around 100 films that are then judged by a panel of industry peers. That number is pared down to our nominees and judges vote on the Wild Rose Awards of Excellence and Achievement.”

Q-Tanna is coming to the festival. Is that exciting for people there?

A-“We are thrilled that Tanna is coming to the Wild Rose! Since Tanna is an Iowa native, it makes it even more special! Tanna is an amazing actress who does truthful and innovative work. She is a rising star and we are glad to help spread the word. We are honored to have her attend.”

Q-What is it about Iowa, that has created so many iconic and talented stars, including John Wayne?

A-“I think the work ethic instilled in people here in the Midwest helps a great deal. Also, there is both a great love of the Arts and an inherent optimism which help people believe that following your dreams can become a reality.”

Q-What is the theme of this year’s event?

A-“We haven’t planned a theme, but it is shaping up to be a reunion of sorts. We have Iowa born filmmakers and actors from across the globe returning to their native state to celebrate their fine work. In addition to Tanna coming home, we have actor Joel West (“OZ, Withstand One Night”) coming to the Wild Rose and Ellen Dolan (star of “As the World Turns” and “Molly’s Girl” ) and Kristina Valada-Viars (star in Broadway’s “August: Osage County” and “Molly’s Girl”) coming back to offer workshops.

Next week Tanna will announce to readers any winners from Henry Jaglom’s “Queen of the Lot.”

Photograph Courtesy Paul Smith