Filmmakers Utilizing IndieGoGo for Northern Alberta Shortfilm: Gods Acre

Filmmakers hope an IndieGoGo crowd funding campaign will help fund an independent short film in Northern Alberta.

Gods Acre tells the story of Frank: an Aboriginal bushman in his 50’s who has spent his entire life living off the land in isolation, following the roots and customs of his ancestors.

Playing the lead character is Lorne Cardinal, best known for his role as Sergeant Davis Quinton in the CTV series Corner Gas.

“(Frank) lives off the old ways and is kind of the last of his kind,” explained Director Kelton Stepanowich of Half Breed Films.

“Basically due to climate change, the water levels are rising and it’s slowly engulfing his ancestral homestead. He deals with his trials and tribulations that he doesn’t want to leave the only home he’s ever truly known,” said Stepanowich.

A crowd funding allows people to contribute and donate to help a project come to reality in exchange for perks offered by the project creators.

Among the perks available for contributors of Gods Acre are digital copies of the script, soundtrack, and final film, as well as copies of the released DVD, signed posters, t-shirts, associate producer credits and even a phone message from Lorne Cardinal thanking them for their contribution.

“We thought let’s go to people and let’s see if they can decide if this movie gets made and, in return, their going to get a lot of perks,” said Stepanowich.

The filmmakers decided to use an IndieGoGo campaign to help cover for the costs of the film, which include fees to the cast, crew, equipment, catering, musical score, post-production and special effects. The campaign started on May 25 and will run until June 25, 2015.

About a year ago, Stepanowich imagined the idea for the film and submitted it for a creative content grant from the Telus Storyhive competition. Although it did not make the cut, he felt it was worth pursuing.

“It’s been on my mind 24 hours a day, all day everyday. I’m very passionate about it and it definitely has taken a life of it’s own,” said Stepanowich.

The production is expected to shoot from July 24 through Aug. 2 near the Northern Alberta community Fort Chipewyan, which Stepanowich explained was a perfect fit.

“It’s where my family is from. In creating this (film), it seemed like the only proper place to shoot it…based on the history of the trappers in the area,” said Stepanowich.

Rounding out the supporting cast are: Greg Lawson, whose credits include the TV series Blackstone, Fargo and Heartland, as Sergeant Gordon, and musician-rapper Roland Pemberton, better known as Cadence Weapon, making his screen debut as Constable Young.

Stepanowich recalled being “blown away” by Lawson’s acting when they worked together on Blackstone, which led to his casting for Gods Acre.

“When this project started up he was kind of the first person to come to mind,” said Stepanowich.

Stepanowich stated support has been great so far in the pre-production stage. As of May 26, they have raised over $4 thousand dollars, or 18 per cent, of their total goal of $25 thousand.

“We’ve gotten a lot of support from the communities of Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan…I’m very excited to let the world see this,” said Stepanowich.

“I think the audience will be very excited once we finish this project.”

For more information about the film, filmmakers, cast, or to donate to the project, click here to visit their IndieGoGo campaign page.

 – Story by Jarrett Crowe for RezXmag.com / Submitted photos courtesy of Half Breed Films.

Photo Gallery: