GULF SHORES, Ala. — Cypress Moon Productions is proud to announce that its heartwarming family film, "When I Find The Ocean," kicked off its theatrical run on Friday. The film, which has received the official Dove Seal of Approval by the Dove Foundation as well as the Kids First! endorsement, debuted in Gallup, N.M. at the El Morro Theater.

The film is also set to open in Montgomery, Ala. on Aug. 10 at the Capri Theatre. Additional cities and theaters where the film will be screening will be announced shortly.

"When I Find The Ocean" was shot almost entirely in Alabama, with three days in Tennessee. The production reached our Gulf Coast.

The film utilized over 300 businesses across the state, hundreds of extras, local talent and crew from the surrounding areas. The Voting Rights March in Selma was reenacted using hundreds of extras from across 15 states.

“When I Find The Ocean” is also slated to be released on DVD throughout the country this summer when it will become available at most major retail outlets and video stores including the three largest: Blockbuster, Movie Gallery/Hollywood Entertainment and Family Video as well as on Netflix.

The film has also been selected to screen during the Kids First! Film Festival, which shares quality feature films with audiences in 100 affiliated theaters throughout the country.

All this exciting news comes on the heels of teaming up with distributor Monterey Media.

Hailed by The Dove Foundation, which awarded the film with five Doves as a wonderful family film, “When I Find The Ocean” follows the journey of a little girl (Lily Matland Holly) who sets out to find the ocean. Escaping from a dangerous secret and leaving an otherwise loving home filled with her mother and grandparents, Lily sets out with her beloved dog and rabbit to find peace with her father, who died at sea.

Set in 1965 Alabama during a time of immense prejudice and civil unrest, Lily confronts a new set of obstacles along the way after she is befriended by a tugboat captain.

Written, produced and directed by Tonya S. Holly of Cypress Moon Productions, “When I Find The Ocean” also stars Lee Majors (“The Six Million Dollar Man,” “The Fall Guy”), Diane Ladd (“Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”), Graham Greene (“Dances With Wolves”), Richard Tyson (“Kindergarten Cop”), George Lindsey (“The Andy Griffith Show”) Bernie Casey (“Another 48 Hours”) and Amy Redford (Robert Redford's daughter).

Thomas Rogers III executive produced along with Holly.

“We are thrilled with the response from The Dove Foundation, being awarded The Dove Seal of Approval, earning the Kids First! endorsement and being selected to screen in the Kids First! Film Festival,” said Holly. “As writer and director of ‘When I Find The Ocean,’ it was extremely important to me that the film spoke to faith and positive family values.  ‘When I Find The Ocean’ is a true journey of the heart which takes us back to the child in all of us. It is especially rewarding now that the film is set to be available to consumers around the country through theatrical openings and DVD. I am so pleased that ‘When I Find The Ocean’ is going home to Alabama to screen in theaters.”

In addition to looking forward to the release of “When I Find The Ocean,” Holly is gearing up to begin production on her new feature film  that she wrote and will direct, “The Story of Bonnie and Clyde,” a new adaptation (not a remake) of the classic love story which tells the thrilling story of the notorious fugitives.

Taking place during the 1930s Depression, the film follows the adventures of Bonnie and Clyde, uncovering many times in their lives that have never before been seen on the big screen.

Holly is in talks with name talent to star in the film. The film is set to be shot in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Previously Holly wrote, produced and directed the award winning short “The Mirror.”

In addition, she recently purchased Cypress Moon Studios, formerly known as Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where such music legends as Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, the Allman Brothers and Paul Simon have recorded, among many others.