BETHEL – More than 200 tickets have been sold for the premiere party and showing of a movie that was filmed in Bethel last winter and spring.

Event organizer Julie Park said Monday that ticket sales for the only three advance showings of “The 12 Dogs of Christmas” are going “fairly well.”

The movie itself, about a boy who uses dogs to teach people about the meaning of Christmas during the Depression era, won’t be released again until Christmas 2005, Park said.

“No cameras of any kind will be allowed in the auditorium,” she said.

Director Kieth Merrill won’t be at the premiere party at 6 p.m. and showing at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at Helen C. Berry Auditorium at Telstar High School on Route 26 in Bethel.

Instead, Park said, producer Daenan Merrill; Kapri Merrill, who plays Mrs. Clancy; Kevin Merritt; and an unnamed fourth member of the team that produced the film are expected to be there Saturday.

Park said the movie is to be shown as a way of thanking the community.

Ticket prices for Saturday’s party and show are $15 for adults, $10 for children. Tickets for 1 and 3:30 p.m. shows Sunday, Dec. 5, are $5 each.

Tickets may be purchased in Bethel at Rite Aid Pharmacy, Designs, Brooks Brothers, Western Maine Supply and Norway Savings Bank. They may also be purchased at the door for Sunday’s showings only.

More information may be obtained by calling Park at 824-0202.