The birthplace of Hollywood North? Hope B.C. celebrates 35th anniversary of Rambo: First Blood

B.C's film industry is booming these days, and one town in the FraserValley is taking the credit for getting it going 35 years ago.

Hope, B.C., continues to celebrate the role it playedin the Sylvester Stallonefilm, Rambo: First Bloodas well as bringing other film productions to the province.

"Here we are 35 years later in what's basically the birthplace for Hollywood North," said Brian Mckinney, who works at the town's visitor centre.

The film was released in 1982.It's about John Rambo, a troubled Vietnam War veteran who goes to war with the abusive police force in the fictional town of Hope, Washington.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, residents and fans watched two screenings of the movie, took tours of where filming took place, andcheckedout props that were used.

Some even competed in costume competitions, while reflecting on what the film meant for the town.

Hope B.C. residents celebrate Rambo: First Blood 35th anniversary

7 years ago

Duration 0:49

Hope B.C. continues to celebrate the role it played, not only in the Sylvester Stallone film, Rambo: First Blood, but in bringing other film productions to the province.

McKinney says up to 20,000 people pass through Hopeeach year to see where Rambo was shot.

For him, though, the movie has helped define where he grew up and lives.

"It brings back great childhood memories," he said.

"I've got friends who are in the movie, I've got friends who have lines. I see all of my small hometown in every frame. It just gives me goosebumps."

• 'First Blood' bridge's final take

Rambo: First Blood was a winner at the box office. Film crews spent around $1 million locally to make the film, which was great for Hope's economy at the time, andalso for B.C.'s.

Today, B.C.'s film industry is at an all-time high, bringing billions of dollars into the province each year.

The provinceestimates that $2.6 billion will be spent in 2016-2017, compared to the previous year's $1.9 billion.

And residents in Hope say the industry might not have ever gotten to that point if not for the gritty, long-haired war hero with the headband and big knifeknown as Rambo.

With files from Jon Hernandez