STEPHENVILLE, NL – Join College of the North Atlantic’s (CNA) Digital Filmmaking program students for its seventh annual intersession film project that tells story of the early years of the Stephenville Theatre Festival (STF) and its founder, Maxim Mazumdar.
The Canadian playwright, director, and actor is preparing for his eighth season with the local festival, and knowing this could be his last, he is planning what he calls a “particularly ambitious season” with challenging shows and a world-renowned dancer.
The STF is in its 40th season, making it the longest-running theatre festival in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). The arts community has always had a strong presence in this province. In Stephenville’s case, the STF was established in 1979 as a professional theatre company located in rural Newfoundland. The little theatre festival quickly grew after the stage was filled with the talents of well-known performers, such as John Gilpin, Gordon Pinsent, and Eric Bentley.
John McKinnon, the film’s director, and the team of Digital Filmmaking students will bring Mazumdar’s dramatic and engaging story to life. Kicking off the project will be a casting call of local actors to be held Wednesday, May 9 in Corner Brook at Theatre NL offices, as well as in Stephenville at the Bay St. George campus – DSB Fowlow Building Lecture Theatre. Both events will be held from 7-8 p.m.
There are two lead roles: Mazumdar, as a confident 30-year-old man with East Indian descent who spoke with an elegant theatrical accent, and Cheryl Stagg, as a strong NL businesswoman. Supporting roles are also available, along with a number of extras, ranging from children to adults of all ages and ethnicities (no experience is required).
Organized by Digital Filmmaking program instructors, Peter Buckle and Keith Bonnell, the project promises to be a high-end production that captures the essence of both Mazumdar and the STF.
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For more information, contact:
Peter Buckle (producer)
709-643-4576
peter.buckle@cna.nl.ca
Keith Bonnell (producer)
709-643-7949
keith.bonnell@cna.nl.ca
John McKinnon (Director)
709-640-9049