“Death of a Brewer” Movie Begins Filming in Iowa City — Full Cast, Plot & Release Info

Iowa City is now the filming ground for the upcoming historical crime drama “Death of a Brewer,” a movie that dives deep into Iowa’s beer-soaked past. This locally inspired project, directed by University of Iowa alum Mokotsi Rukundo, is not just another historical fiction—it’s a story drawn from real-life events, secret tunnels, and community legends. The team behind the film is aiming to bring Iowa’s untold history to life while making a powerful impact on both local audiences and national viewers.

This unique film has already started generating buzz, and NetFilming is here with all the latest updates and details you need to know.

Based on Real Events: What Is “Death of a Brewer” About?

Set in the 1880s, the movie tells the story of three brewery owners on Iowa City’s North Side who fought to survive during the early years of alcohol prohibition in Iowa. Based on the book Beer Money: A Tale of the Iowa City Beer Mafia by local author S.C. Sherman, the film highlights a powerful historical conflict between those producing alcohol and the rising anti-liquor movement led by the Sons of Temperance.

At the centre of the story is Teddy Miller, a Methodist scholar who arrives in Iowa City for a university residency. He soon finds himself in the middle of two groups that don’t get along: the Beer Mafia and the people who want to stop drinking. Miller is a symbol of the duality that many people at that time had to deal with because he was a religious man who drank.

The movie explores the rising tensions that led to the beer riots of 1884, which were real events where people were almost lynched and a prosecutor was covered in tar and feathers. These incidents were driven by deeply divided opinions on alcohol, religion, and immigrant identity.

A Hidden Chapter of Iowa History

The movie shines a light on a part of Iowa’s history that has been long forgotten. According to John’s Grocery owner Doug Alberhasky, Iowa City once had three breweries and around 40 bars—serving a population of just 7,000 people. In the 1800s, beer wasn’t just a drink; it was an essential part of the city’s economy.

“In one way or another, about one in every seven people in Iowa City was connected to the brewing industry,” Alberhasky explained.

He also highlighted the sharp religious divide that played a major role in the conflict. Methodists preached against drinking, but Catholic leaders often saw it as a gift from God. These different beliefs led to violent fights on the street after church on Sundays, almost like gang wars from the past.

‘The Death of a Brewer’ Movie Filming in Iowa City

A Story With Modern Relevance

The movie takes place in the 1880s, but the ideas it deals with are still important today. The problems with identity, freedom of choice, immigration, and community values are still important in the U.S.

Author S.C. Sherman explained, “This is not just a local story. It’s America’s story. It’s about who we are and what we fight for.”

He compares the movie’s tone to Peaky Blinders and Gangs of New York, but with a Midwestern flavour. “It’s violent, it’s passionate, and it’s real,” Sherman added.

Iowa Roots, Big Vision

Director Mokotsi Rukundo, who first met Sherman while working as an extra in another film, is proud to bring this story to life. He hopes the film challenges viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and identities.

“We often hold on to labels—religious, political, or cultural—so tightly that we forget what they truly meant,” Rukundo said.

The fact that this production started without any help from Hollywood or famous people is what makes it stand out. In fact, before any well-known actors joined the cast, people in the area had already given almost $1 million to the project. By putting Iowa first, the film stayed true to its roots.

A Cast That Brings the Story to Life

Despite the modest budget, the film has attracted some impressive talent. The confirmed cast includes:

• Gavin Casalegno
• Crispin Glover
• Mena Suvari
• Tyler Posey
• Jefferson White

These actors will bring life to historical figures such as J.J. Englert, Conrad Graf, and John Dostal, all of whom were real brewery owners in Iowa City.

Filming Locations and Behind-the-Scenes Details

Filming officially started on July 31, 2025, and scenes were shot in some of the city’s most famous and historically important places. This includes the beer tunnels that run under Brewery Square, John’s Grocery, and the Northside neighbourhood of Iowa City.

One unique aspect of this film is its strong connection to local landmarks. For example, the beer caves, which served as inspiration for Sherman’s book, play a direct role in the film. The production team is also planning to shoot scenes in Galena and Quincy, Illinois later in August.

Local resident Sara Volz, who became involved after a tour of the beer tunnels, now serves as a community facilitator and co-executive producer. Her role has been vital in ensuring the film feels like a true Iowa City project.

Community Support and Legacy Impact

“This project feels like it belongs to everyone here,” Volz said. “The community’s response has been amazing. If someone couldn’t help, they always knew someone who could.”

Alberhasky also believes the film will have a lasting legacy in Iowa, much like Field of Dreams did for Dyersville. With a red carpet event planned at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City and screenings at breweries across the U.S., the team is working hard to share this story far and wide.

Release Timeline and Where to Watch

• First Trailer: Set to premiere in October 2025 at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver.
• Film Festivals: Early 2026 screenings at major indie festivals.
• Wider Release: Begins Spring 2026, starting in Iowa City and rolling out nationwide.

The team wants to get the attention of beer lovers, history fans, and movie critics by showing the trailer at a well-known beer festival.

For more exclusive news about this movie and others that bring real stories to the big screen, keep an eye on NetFilming.

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