We know about 9/11 and Gander, but what about Stephenville?

Students in Stephenville spent the last few hours of their school year hunched over computers in an production editing suite tweaking the sound, sharpness and colour on their own short film.

The College of the North Atlantic's digital film program focused on creating a movie about the impact of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks and the planes diverted to the Stephenville airport.

Ryan Snook took on many roles, including writing the script, mixing the sound and editing the film. 

He's excited to see how the film does on the big screen and how people react.

"I think more than anything, its just really good to get the story of Stephenville's involvement out there," said Snook.

He said everyone understands the role people in Gander played after 9/11 because of the Broadway stage production Come from Away.

"I think it would be really great for everyone to come and see just what role Stephenville played as well. I think eight planes landed here. The whole community came together," he said.

'Re-awakening of one's humanity'

Off Course is a fictional story about a politician with a far right-wing way of thinking who finds himself stranded in Stephenville during 9/11. He starts to meet people who make him question his political and personal views.

"I think it's a re-awakening of one's humanity for the lead character," said actor Trevor Stagg, who plays the role of a political advisor in the film.

Stagg had some acting experience on the stage before auditioning for the film. He was impressed by the amount of work the students put into the production.

"It was a lot of technical work that goes into developing a movie. We would sit around for a couple hours while the technicians worked frantically on the lighting and the set. We would just come in and do our scene for 30 or 40 seconds and then wait for another couple of hours," Stagg said.

There's hope that the short film will boost tourism in a town known for its American connections.

"Stephenville has an American air force base. We do get some American tourists no matter what. Maybe this movie will introduce some more tourism to the area," said Stagg.

The film premieres Saturday, June 17 at 7:30 at the Arts and Culture Centre in Stephenville. Students will also provide a behind-the-scenes look of what went in to making the movie.