An N.B. film selected to premiere at TIFF for first time in over a decade
Do I Know You from Somewhere? was selected as part of TIFF's discovery program
For the first time in more than 10 years, a New Brunswick film has been selected to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Do I Know You from Somewhere?, produced by Fredericton's Strike Pictures, was selected as part of TIFF's discovery program that showcases work from new, gifted filmmakers from across the globe.
The film also marks Fredericton filmmaker Arianna Martinez's debut as a director.
"This is a really really big deal," Martinez told CBC's Shift, "It puts this film on a global stage, which is always what you hope and fear when you're making movies."
The 80-minute sci-fi romance looks at a couple and how different choices alter their reality.
"It's answering the question, 'What would my life look like if I made a different choice?'" she said.
While the film does explore the multiverse, it doesn't use any special effects, said Martinez.
Martinez said she hopes the movie is relatable for viewers.
"When you look back at your own life, you can kind of pinpoint those pivotal moments that lead to big changes in your life," she said.
"I'm hoping they can see themselves in these situations and see that we're where we're supposed to be and if we're not it's not too late to make a change."
Martinez said she has been creating short films with co-producers Gordon Mihan and Lance Blakney since 2015, and this was their first attempt at a feature film.
The story was co-written by Martinez and her husband, Mihan.
"There are threads of truth in the story," said Martinez. "It's really meaningful to us and I think that's what makes it so special."
The script was selected and funded through Telefilm Canada's talent to watch program.
Martinez said she, Mihan and Blakney already had a lot of experience working together, so tackling a feature film felt like the perfect stepping stone for their careers.
The film was shot in Fredericton, Maquapit Lake and Bloomfield.
"It was amazing, it was so cool to be able to show that New Brunswick has a beautiful film community," said Martinez.
"People were so eager to help and be a part of making this movie, even if they weren't a part of the film community."
Martinez said all cast and crew, except for two actors, were from New Brunswick and that this film was a tribute to how mighty the small province can be.
She said her big hope for the movie is that it becomes accessible for everyone to watch, whether through a theatre release or on-demand.
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With files from Shift