An Oxford native recently took his first bold step toward making a name for himself in the world of independent films.

“Cadia: The World Within” premiered at the Gateway Film Center in Columbus, Ohio on June 30.

It’s the first feature film released by Just a Skosh Productions (JASP), the co-founder of which is Zach Throne, a 2012 Oxford High School graduate.

A total of 210 people attended the premiere.

“We sold out in an hour and then, they gave us some additional tickets and it sold out again in a few hours,” said Throne, who serves as JASP’s financial director. “I was ecstatic.”

“Cadia: The World Within” tells the story of three 14-year-old siblings – Matthew, David and Renee Addams – who get transported to the mystical realm of Cadia after losing their mother. There, they get caught up in the age-old battle between good and evil.

The film, which has a running time of 80 minutes, is a coming-of-age story that explores the concepts of grace, love and doubt. It examines how people interact with the world around them and the need for folks to believe in each other.

“I think it was really well-received,” said Throne, noting the comments and reviews on social media were “all positive.”

Although the plotline involves philosophical and religious principles, Throne said “it’s not preachy” nor does it contain any “Bible-thumping.”

He’s hoping the film will encourage people to engage in productive dialogue about topics that many often try to avoid.

Thanks to social media, the internet and wireless phones, Throne said, “We’re the most connected we’ve ever been in our world’s history.”

“Yet, it’s so tough for us to have a conversation about topics like religion and politics,” he said. “If we disagree, that’s OK. At the end of the day, we just want to be able to have the opportunity to have that conversation.”

The premiere marked the first time Throne had watched the movie on anything other than a 19-inch computer screen. He was not disappointed.

“Honestly, it’s better than what I could have ever hoped for,” he said.

Pre-production for the film began in the fall of 2017. It was shot in Ohio last July over a 13-day period.

“Cadia: The World Within” features performances by two well-known names in Hollywood – Corbin Bernsen and James Phelps.

Bernsen is best known for his role as opportunistic divorce attorney Arnie Becker on the classic television series “L.A. Law,” which ran from 1986-94, and for playing retired cop Henry Spencer on the hit USA show “Psych,” which ran from 2006-14.

Phelps, a 32-year-old English actor, is famous for playing Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter movies.

Throne is working on bringing “Cadia: The World Within” to his hometown for a screening or two.

“I’m (talking) with the Oxford 7 right now,” he said. “I’m waiting for the booking agent to get back to me.”

He would also like to show it at LakePoint Community Church on W. Drahner Rd. since that was one of the film’s sponsors.

Throne said being able to share his film and his “passion” with his family and friends would be a “humbling” experience for him.

The next showings for “Cadia: The World Within” will take place on July 12 at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and on July 13 during the Wapakoneta Summer Moon Festival.