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The Dakota Scout

Andrew Kightlinger’s latest creation to be featured at Aberdeen Film Showcase

South Dakota native made splash with last film produced by Sylvester Stallone

Elisa Sand's avatar
Elisa Sand
Mar 18, 2026
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A South Dakota filmmaker whose star continues to rise will be in Aberdeen this month for the Aberdeen Film Showcase on Saturday, March 28.

Andrew Kightlinger, whose work has been seen internationally, directed the feature film “Lost on a Mountain in Maine,” which was produced by Sylvester Stallone. The film reached Netflix’s Global Top 10.

He also wrote and directed “Tator Tot & Patton” and is the winner of the Slamdance Screenplay Competition grand prize. The annual event is designed to discover, nurture and champion new screenwriters, according to its website.

LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION. | South Dakota native’s breakthrough movie leans on family story

Asa Thomas Metcalfe and Joe Sneve
·
November 1, 2024
LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION. | South Dakota native’s breakthrough movie leans on family story

When 12-year-old Donn Fendler found himself lost for eight days on a mountain in Maine, his unlikely survival took resilience, smarts and an ability to adapt.

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Elisa Sand's avatar
A guest post by
Elisa Sand
I have been reporting in South Dakota since 1999 and Aberdeen since 2013. I am currently associate editor for The Aberdeen Insider covering local news for Aberdeen.
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