LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Parts of Louisville are featured in the upcoming dark comedy and true-crime film Dead Man’s Wire, which made its North American premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (“TIFF”) and is set for wide theatrical release on Jan. 9, 2026.
Directed by Academy Award–nominated filmmaker Gus Van Sant, the film tells the true story of Anthony G. “Tony” Kiritsis, a 44-year-old Indianapolis man who, on Feb. 8, 1977, held Richard O. Hall, president of the Meridian Mortgage Company, hostage with a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun wired with a “dead man’s wire” from the trigger to Hall’s head. Kiritsis demanded $5 million, no prosecution, and a personal apology from the Halls for what he said they owed him.
Scenes were filmed in Louisville, including the WHAS11 back lot and near River City Bank. Louisville editor Joseph Federle also appears in the film…