‘Cement Suitcase’ streaming for free online. Comedy was filmed in Tri-Cities area

A feature film shot mostly in Benton County is now streaming for free on several online platforms.

The feel-good comedy “Cement Suitcase,” was filmed about a decade ago against the backdrop of the Lower Yakima Valley wine country and with familiar locations, such as Airfield Estates Winery in Prosser.

It was the first feature film of writer and director J. Rick Castañeda, who grew up in Granger between the Tri-Cities and Yakima.

Most recently, he released “All Sorts,” a quirky office romance that also was filmed in Eastern Washington. It was his second movie release.

In his first movie, “The best wine salesman in the Yakima Valley is headed for a breakdown, and only two people can help him,” says the promo. “One just broke into his house. The other is having an affair with his girlfriend.”

The film took five awards during its festival run in 2013, including the Audience Award at the Dances with Films Festival for independent films.

“Cement Suitcase” was truly independent, financed with money that Castañeda saved up by making promo videos and commercials and a Kickstarter campaign that raised nearly $19,000.

Thanks to a new distribution deal, it can be seen for free with ads on Redbox on Demand and Vudu. It also can be seen on Hoopla, a free service available with a Richland Public Library card.

The film is also now available for rent and purchase on Amazon.

Castañeda’s second movie, “All Sorts,” should be available on Video on Demand later this year.