In the heart of the Inland Empire of Southern California during 1972, “Desert Willow“ tells the poignant story of Evelyn “Evie” Prescott, a widowed matriarch in her late 60s, who faces the life-altering reality of a recent cancer diagnosis. Bound by love and loyalty to her family and her aging dog, Rusty, Evie embodies the strength and resilience that comes from a lifetime of experience.

As Evie grapples with the emotional weight of her diagnosis, she must navigate the intricacies of her family dynamic, which includes her troubled daughter Sarah, who is struggling with alcoholism while trying to maintain the semblance of a normal life; her son Jimmy, a young man recently returned from the harrowing experience of Vietnam, struggling to reintegrate into family life; and her spirited granddaughter Lila, whose free-spirited ideals challenge the family’s traditional values.

The film explores Evie’s journey as she approaches the difficult task of revealing her diagnosis to her loved ones. With a deep bond to her dog Rusty providing her comfort, Evie must confront her vulnerabilities and the emotional burden of legacy while embodying the love and strength that holds her family together.

Adding depth to Evie’s journey is Nurse Claire Anderson, a devoted caregiver in her early 50s who becomes a source of wisdom and emotional support. With years of experience in nursing, Claire helps Evie face her diagnosis with compassion and understanding, encouraging the Prescott family to open up and foster connections in a time filled with fear and uncertainty.

“Desert Willow“ shines a light on the intricate tapestries of family, love, and life’s challenges, exploring themes of resilience and vulnerability. It is a heartfelt exploration of how we confront the struggles we face and the connections that heal us, proving that in the face of life’s toughest battles, love will always find a way.

Join us for a moving cinematic experience that captures the enduring spirit of family and the beauty of connections that transcend fear and despair.

Linnea Karlsen as Evie Prescott	Sean Kanan as Jimmie Prescott	Casting as Sarah Prescott	Casting as Lila Prescott	Casting as Claire Anderson