The beloved dive bar Waterwheel Lounge is the setting for a new independent film called Marcie’s.
Marcie’s is the latest project from Seattle-based filmmaker John Helde, who used the Waterwheel as the interior set for Ed’s Tavern, a small-town bar that becomes the center of a community’s fight against looming development.
In Marcie’s, bartender Marcie dreams of one day owning Ed’s Tavern. But her world is turned upside down when a developer targets the property for development. As the threat to her community grows, Marcie must rally her friends, neighbors, and a surprising ally—an endangered bird—to protect the place they all call home.
Filmed across North Bend and Seattle, Marcie’s is a comedy-drama that features an all-Washington cast and crew. At the heart of the film is a tribute to the places that bring people together—and a subtle commentary on what’s lost when those spaces disappear.
Helde says the story emerged organically through months of character improvisation with the actors. “What emerged was a story about people holding close to their community, and close to their dreams, even in difficult circumstances,” Helde says. “Jenn Ruzumna, who plays Marcie, developed a character who was deeply rooted in a bar that’s more than a workplace—it’s a second home.”
When it came time to find the perfect setting, Helde and his team toured bars throughout the area until they found the Waterwheel Lounge. Its wood-paneled walls and warm, lived-in atmosphere fit the fictional Ed’s Tavern like a glove. “Carole Nicholas and Natalie Wentworth, the owner and manager, were incredibly welcoming and enthusiastic about the project,” Helde says.
But art has eerily imitated life. Just two years after filming wrapped, the Waterwheel itself now faces the same kind of development threat that looms large in the movie. Plans are in motion for a new mixed-use apartment building on the property.
“We didn’t base the story on any specific real-world event,” Helde says. “But it’s been somewhat startling to see the parallels. The film is about people fighting to preserve a sense of place. It’s about connection, identity, and the impact of growth on the things we hold dear.”
Filming at the Waterwheel came with challenges. As a grassroots-funded independent film, the team couldn’t afford to shut down the bar for extended periods. Instead, they worked from the early morning hours until just before opening time. “We’d start at 5 a.m., shoot until 1:30 p.m., and then re-set everything so the bar could open at 3,” says Helde. “It took a dedicated crew and a lot of hustle—but also a lot of support from Carole and Natalie to make it happen.”
The film also shot exterior scenes at Mt. Si Tavern in North Bend, a location chosen to reflect the small-town setting of the story. “At both the Waterwheel and Mt. Si, you immediately feel a strong sense of community,” Helde says. “That’s what we wanted to capture.”
Now a longtime Ballard resident, Helde has lived in the neighborhood since the mid-’90s. “My wife and I moved here for the creative energy and natural beauty—and we’ve stayed for the strong community feel,” he shares.
With Marcie’s, Helde explores more than just a fictional tale—it’s a reflection of real-world tensions between growth and preservation, between progress and community. “Many of us have that special place—whether it’s a bar, a coffee shop, or a bookstore—where we feel at home,” he says. “I wanted to explore the connection between protecting human community and protecting the natural world. Sometimes, they’re more intertwined than we think.”
Waterwheel (7034 15th Ave NW) will screen Marcie’s on April 23 at 7 p.m., followed by live music from Massy Ferguson. The bar has very limited seating, and people will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
North Bend Theater is also hosting a screening on Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m. with a Q&A with the director, cast, and crew. Tickets are available online.
Marcie’s will also be available to watch on Apple TV on April 29, but is available for pre-order now.
Photo: Timothy Aguero Photography
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