Financed by Mississippi magnate and philanthropist Richard Headrick, and marking the feature film directorial debut of TV writer and author Darrel Campbell, An Ounce of Courage is destined to ruffle some feathers. At least that’s the expectation of Campbell, who begins shooting the drama on Monday in Paola, Kansas.

“What we’re tackling is the mindset that you have to say ‘Happy Holidays’ instead of ‘Merry Christmas,’” he explains in an interview with the Kansas City Star. “Without really hammering the religious implications, it’s a story about freedom and its loss. You could make this movie about any number of freedoms. I’m sure the controversy will be there … there are people who intimidate school boards and city councils for things which are really within the legal rights of free speech and expression.”

Former Kansas City Chief football player turned successful actor Fred Williamson stars as a small town lawyer who takes the mayor (Marshall Teague) to court over the latter’s attempts to sponsor a denominational Christmas celebration. Former Summer of ‘42 star Jennifer O’Neill plays the mayor’s wife. Also starring are Jenna Boyd and Hunter Gomez.

This is actually the second feature film in which Campbell has had a hand. Back in 1991, his book Pistol: Birth of a Legend, about flamboyant 1970’s and 1980’s NBA All-Star Pete Maravich, was turned into a movie with Adam Guier in the lead role.