CHS ALUM BRINGS “LANGUAGE OF THE LIVING” TO CODY

CODY, WY (December 8, 2025) — Filmmaker, Jake Sandvik, formerly of Cody, will present a screening
of his new Documentary LANGUAGE OF THE LIVING at Studio Theatre at CCPA on Tuesday,
December 30 at 7 pm. The program will include the screening as well as live music and performances
with a Q&A after the movie with the filmmaker and the subject of the film, Damon Groen. Tickets are
$10 and support Studio Theatre’s scholarship programs. Tickets can be purchased at
studiotheatreccpa.org/coming-attractions.
“I have worked on documentary projects in the past, particularly through CHS wired, which gave me a
much deeper understanding of the interviewing and editing process,” notes the film’s director, Jake
Sandvik. “However, this project was never supposed to be a full-fledged film. I was simply recording
footage of a group of friends from a small town getting together to record a song. I really connected with
this as someone from a small town who does just that whenever I’m able to return home. I saw
something compelling and profound in this story. I hope you agree.”
In LANGUAGE OF THE LIVING, a group of small-town Iowa musicians reconnect to record a song,
rediscovering the power of community amidst the rise of isolated creativity and AI-powered art.
The film follows Damon Groen as he collaborates with the band “The Ruralists” to record his song,
“i-20.” Over the course of three days in Sioux Center, Iowa, these old friends come together to create art
that is raw, beautiful, and authentic, and they rediscover the gathering power of music and the value of
community as the world around them seems to go in the opposite direction. It is the first documentary
film by director Jake Sandvik.
LANGUAGE OF THE LIVING will premiere at Chicago’s Davis Theatre on December 17th and will
have a follow-up Wyoming premiere at Cody Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, December 30
at 7 pm. The evening includes live music and performances, light appetizers, and a Q&A with Sandvik
and Groen. Join us for an evening of music and art.
Studio Theatre at CCPA ignites creativity and self-expression for individuals of all ages and abilities by
providing affordable, high-quality performing arts classes and experiences in a positive and welcoming
environment. We believe everyone deserves access to the transformative power of the arts, and we strive
to make our programs fun, exciting, and enriching for all. Through inclusive learning experiences, we
empower individuals to build confidence, explore their talents, and discover a lifelong love for the arts.
For more information about their programming, visit: www.studiotheatreatccpa.org.