CNA students make film about Mi'kmaq legend

College of the North Atlantic students in Stephenville are putting the finishing touches on a film about a well-known Mi'kmaq frontiersman.

The film and video program class was on location in Gros Morne National Park last week, gathering footage for a 15-minute feature on Matty Mitchell.

Mitchell was a guide, hunter, trapper and prospector who discovered the mineral deposit in the interior of Newfoundland, which became the Buchans mine. He died in 1922 in his mid-70s

The idea for the film came from CNA student David Downton, who admitted he didn't know much about Mitchell before the project.

"It was an interesting story to me. I had only heard a little bit of ... mostly folklore, I guess, and I wanted to learn more about him," said Downton. "And I thought this was a good avenue to do that."

Hands-on project

Downton researched and wrote the script in about two days.

The other class members have been hands-on with the project as well, working on the set in the heart of Gros Morne.

Peter Buckle is the class instructor and also the film's director.

"When we come out on location for our intercession film, or for our intercession semester, and we go out on location, I personally believe this is where the students learn exactly what it's like to make a movie," Buckle said.

Alonzo Rumbolt, the actor who plays Mitchell in the film, also happens to be the prospector's great-grandson.

"A short while ago Matty walked this land and he made quite an impression apparently," said Rumbolt. "I'm very proud of the legend he's left and I hope I live up to it."

Buckle said the film is now in the editing process, and should be ready for viewing in June.