To some he’s known as the Deputy Dewey Riley from the “Scream” franchise, others might know him as the former WCW world heavyweight champion, and even more may just refer to him as “Courtney Cox’s ex.” But David Arquette takes on a different kind of role in “Heartland.”

The 48-year-old actor, director, producer and screenwriter came to town to help kickoff “Heartland” at the Sedona International Film Festival the night of Saturday, Feb. 22, along with co-star Mariel Hemingway and directors Josh and Rebecca Tickell.

Based on the true 2016 events at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota, the film features Arquette as Elliot, an employee of the Energy Transfer oil company responsible for constructing the Dakota Access Pipeline now in operation.

Although Elliot starts out as a liaison and friend to journalist Daniel McKinney, played by William Mapother, as the story unfolds Daniel starts to align himself more with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe than the oil company he was hired to write about favorably, and the two characters go down separate paths.

Arquette emailed Sedona Red Rock News before arriving in Sedona to talk about his involvement with “Heartland” and SIFF.

Q: How did you get involved in “Heartland” and what piqued your interest in the film?
A: My sisters Rosanna and Patricia were on site at Standing Rock so I was aware of what was happening there. So when this film came up I was interested in helping them raise awareness about this important moment in history.

Q: What were your personal reactions in 2016 when the Standing Rock incident was going on? I saw that Patricia Arquette went to the site and helped out the protesters and tribe. Did you go too? Did your sister have any influence on your interest in the role?
A: I wasn’t at Standing Rock myself, but I was introduced to Rebecca and Josh Tickell through their documentary work on “Kiss the Ground.” They asked Patricia about her Givelove.org waterless sanitation system, and I loved meeting them and wanted to work on “Heartland” with them.

Q: What was it like working with Amy Smart, Frances Fisher and the other cast and directors?
A: The cast is incredible with legends like Frances Fisher, who in her real life is one of the most active activists. It is a film perfectly suited for her.

Q: “Heartland” is classified as a drama. Most of your previous movies are comedies or horror films. Was this a big departure for you acting-wise and/or a different feel on set than the other genre sets you have been on?
A: I’ve actually done quite a bit of dramatic roles throughout my career, although the more popular and familiar are comedy and horror. I love being able to explore all aspects of human behavior and feel blessed to be able to do it for a living.

Q: Have you been to Sedona before? What do you think of it or expect of it, and will you be doing anything else in Sedona besides attending the Sedona International Film Festival?
A. I’ve only been to Sedona briefly before and I’m so excited to return. The energy there is among the best in the world. I’m thrilled to be attending the Sedona Film Festival.

Alexandra Wittenberg can be reached at 282-7795 ext 126 or at awittenberg@larsonnewspapers.com