Jason Momoa's latest Newfoundland-shot film is a violent action thriller

Another film project shot in Newfoundland featuring movie star Jason Momoa hits select theatres in the U.S.this week, giving audiences there a chance to see the island's unique scenery.

When I saw photos it was an easy decision and ano-brainer.-Lin Oeding

Bravenisan action thriller about a son and father who have to protecttheir family at a wilderness cabin from a group of drug runners.

"It's a cool film set in beautiful Newfoundland. The film actually takes place somewhere on the Canadian border but Newfoundland is just a stunning backdrop," director LinOedingtoldCBC'sHere & Now.

The thriller is also produced byMomoa,along with his partnerBrian Mendoza,through their Pride of Gypsies banner.

Director Lin Oeding

Texan-turned-Californian director Oedinggot his start in the industry on Walker, Texas Ranger, and worked on the moviesThe Equalizer and Straight Outta Compton, and came to scoutNewfoundland as a location in November 2015.

"When I saw photos it was an easy decision and ano-brainer,as Newfoundland is a gorgeous place," saidOeding.

Momoaapproached Oedingabout directing Bravenand both agreed Newfoundland would make the most sense to film given the scenery andbecause Momoa was already in the province filming the Discovery Canada seriesFrontier.

• Jason Momoa lands in St. John's for Frontier Season 3

Head-bashing at Leo's fish and chips

The trailer for Braven gives a sneak peek at some scenes that should look familiar to any Newfoundlander, such as the winter backcountry and oneclip that shows a man's head being violentlyslammed into a table at St. John's fish and chips spot Leo's Restaurant.

Oedingsaid to make Braven a reality, some of the crew were drawnfrom Newfoundland's burgeoning film industry, such as locals who had worked on projects like CBC'sRepublic of Doyle.

Newfoundland a 'stunningbackground'

The Hollywood director said coming from Los Angeles to Canada's most eastern province during winter was certainly a shock, and he quickly had to get geared up with a Canada Goose jacketand snow pants.

But Oedingsees a lot of potential in Newfoundland for future Hollywood films given what's already been filmed on the island over the last several years.

"There are places like Newfoundland or other parts of the world that people don't know of yet. But I'm sure when this movie comes out a lot of people will see this stunning background and go on the internet and see where it's shot," he said.

Besides the Newfoundland scenery as the backdrop, Oeding said anyone who likes Momoa'swork or just a good action film in general should enjoy the 94-minute ride that Bravenprovides.

"It's going to be a fun film and audiences are going to see Jason kicking butt," he said.

"I think everyone can relate to a father who, at the end of the day, just wants to protect his family when it's in danger."