East of Wall is a 2025 American drama film that marks the directorial debut of Kate Beecroft, who also wrote the screenplay. The film features Tabatha Zimiga, Porshia Zimiga, Scoot McNairy, Jesse Thorson, Chancey Ryder, and Jennifer Ehle. The film follows a horse trainer named Tabatha who, after the sudden death of her husband, opens her ranch to a group of at-risk teens while dealing with financial hardship and personal grief.
WHERE WAS EAST OF WALL FILMED?
All of the filming for East of Wall happened in South Dakota, mostly in and around the Badlands and the small town of Wall. The goal was to make a movie that felt like it belonged in its surroundings, and South Dakota’s vast plains, worn-out towns, and rough but beautiful terrain are some of the best places to do that.
Let’s explore the key filming locations:
WALL, SOUTH DAKOTA
The town of Wall, known for the famous roadside stop Wall Drug, is where the story is set—and where much of the filming took place. Located just outside Badlands National Park, this small town plays a major role in the authenticity of the film. Beecroft captured the texture of rural life—from feed stores to backroads—highlighting the isolation and beauty of this close-knit community.
THE BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Cinematographer Austin Shelton captured sweeping shots of the Badlands, whose jagged peaks, rolling hills, and open skies provided a haunting yet beautiful backdrop. These landscapes symbolize both struggle and healing, mirroring the internal journey of the characters. Several horseback scenes, including dramatic auction and training moments, were filmed across the park’s expansive vistas.
CACTUS FLAT, SOUTH DAKOTA
Cactus Flat is an unincorporated community in Jackson County, South Dakota, known as a scenic entry point to Badlands National Park. Located just off Interstate 90 (exit 131), it sits at about 2,500 ft (762 m) elevation . With no municipal government, it’s better described as a hamlet or rural crossroads .
ZIMIGA FAMILY RANCH
A major portion of the movie was filmed directly on the Zimiga family ranch. This real, working ranch—located near Wall—was the central location for scenes involving rescued horses, teenagers learning to ride, and emotionally charged conversations around campfires. The authenticity of filming on the actual property added an emotional layer to many key scenes, including the pivotal confessional fire circle scene.
NATURAL SETTINGS AND RURAL BACKROADS
The production team made use of natural lighting and unpredictable weather. Lightning storms, prairie sunsets, and dusty trails were all used to powerful visual effect. Many roadside and rural scenes—such as Tabatha’s TikTok horse videos and the family’s auction visits—were filmed throughout the countryside between Wall and Interior, SD, making the environment a character of its own.
BEHIND THE SCENES
According to Kate Beecroft, one of the most emotionally significant scenes—the campfire confessional—was filmed in real time with no scripted dialogue. It involved real community members, not just actors, and took place on a single unforgettable night. The emotional intensity of this moment underscores the film’s documentary heart and the real-life courage behind the performance.
IS EAST OF WALL BASED ON A TRUE STORY?
Yes. Based on the true story of Tabatha Zimiga, a horse trainer from South Dakota, the movie was made. For more than three years, director Kate Beecroft lived with the Zimiga family and community to make this story. Much of the cast—including Tabatha and her daughter Porshia—play versions of themselves. This makes East of Wall a work of documentary fiction that combines dramatized real events with those that were filmed.
OFFICIAL TRAILER
Stay tuned to Netfilming.com for more behind-the-scenes stories, production details, and location guides from upcoming 2025 films.
