BROWNSBURG — After much anticipation and countless hours of work by numerous volunteers, “Crossroads” was revealed to the community last week at the Pavilion Cinemas. The big screen showing was also the first glimpse of the finished product for members of the cast and crew. The response from the crowd was a standing ovation.

“It meant a lot for me to be able to bring this film to the community,” Steve “Papaw” Pyatte told those in attendance, amidst a barrage of thank-yous to those who assisted in making the night possible. “Everybody we asked to do anything for this film said ‘yes’ immediately.”

Pyatte directed the movie and played the lead male role, along with performing many other duties.

The anti-drinking and driving film was based on a short screenplay called “Crosses of the Roads,” written by Michael Garcia of Bearline Productions in Texas. Pyatte said fellow actor Don Becker introduced him to the screenplay, which Pyatte made his own, transforming it into a 19-minute script.

The DVD of “Crossroads” also includes a trailer and commentary by cast members Jamie Wehrheim-Johnson and Gemma Gould-Dougherty, along with Daniel Risk, director of photography and producer, and Pyatte himself.

Pyatte said he plans to use the DVD when he speaks at local schools and hopes other schools throughout the country will purchase and utilize the movie as a tool to stop people — youth and adults — from drinking and driving.

The film was aired twice at the premiere as the first showing was sold out. Those who were a part of making “Crossroads” said the evening brought on mixed emotions.

The movie was dedicated to Wehrheim-Johnson’s stepdaughter, Elizabeth Nichole “Nikki” Wehrheim, who was killed in a drunk driving accident on June 24 — during filming.

“I hope I did her proud,” Wehrheim-Johnson said. “I think it’ll change a few lives. I know it did tonight. Seeing it all come together ... it was more than I expected. I was surprised it hit me like it did.”

Wehrheim-Johnson’s daughter and Nikki’s sister, Brianna Wehrheim, is among the movie’s target audience at age 13. She said the film had affected her as well.

“I really liked it,” she said. “I liked what Papaw did and I thought it was really good. I already knew from personal experience that I wouldn’t do anything like that [drink and drive], but it really touched my heart.”

Mary Lou Sartor, Risk’s grandmother, said she had some idea of the film’s theme going into the premiere, but didn’t know how emotional it would be.

“I thought it was very moving,” she said. “It does have a strong message.”

Tyler Miles, assistant director of photography, said he was surprised and pleased with the community’s response to “Crossroads.”

“I thought it turned out really nice,” he said. “It turned out to be a really big deal and we’re really proud of it.”

Actors signed autographs and DVDs, posters, and behind-the-scenes photos, with all proceeds going to the Hendricks County Substance Abuse Task Force. All future proceeds from the DVD will also go to the organization.

For more information about the movie, Pyatte’s public speaking, or to inquire about a private screening, visit the website at www.stevepyatte.com.