Kat and Carissa Strain are passionate about producing a feature film in Chatham, and are now anxiously waiting to see if their film will be selected for one of North America's top film festivals.
Article content
Kat and Carissa Strain are passionate about making a feature film in Chatham, and are now anxiously waiting to see if their film will be selected for one of North America's top film festivals.
Advertisement 2
Article content
The 33-year-old Chatham twins submitted “Call of the Blackbird” to the Toronto International Film Festival.
Article content
They're actually showing it at about 20 festivals, but they want to hear from TIFF first. TIFF does not consider films that have been screened elsewhere. TIFF's decision is expected in mid-August.
“Regardless of whether you pass or not, you can't bet on any other selection until you pass that selection,” Carissa said.
“Although it may be unlikely, we also know that such festivals reserve space for first-time filmmakers who are interested in storytelling,” Kat said. he said. “I hope they see our (movie) and think, 'This is interesting and unique.'”
According to Carissa, it is a fictional story based on their real-life experiences growing up in Chatham and entering the film industry, told in a poetic and artistic way that differs from standard drama.
Advertisement 3
Article content
The twins have had some success in the film industry, including playing mean twins Nicky and Lizzie in the 2013 remake of the classic horror film Carrie. They also appeared in the 2018 horror film 'Twinsanity'.
Strains returned to his hometown about three years ago and entered the real estate industry, but his desire to work in the entertainment field remains strong and he has branched out into writing, directing and producing films. They founded Sisters Strain Films to make films that focus on women's experiences.
They have written several feature films, including a horror film currently in development. But the industry wants to see what can be done before committing big budgets.
The blackbird's call is their “business card,” Catt said.
Advertisement 4
Article content
“I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish with limited resources and limited funds,” she said.
They poured $40,000 of their own money into the project, which they say is “unheard of in feature film production, especially for a two-person production team.”
The twins said that while it was stressful to put together a feature film with a 14-day shoot, acting, directing, producing, and even arranging catering for the crew was a huge learning experience.
“The biggest lesson was learning how to pull a team together to fill all the roles needed to complete a feature film…” said Kat. “We had a lot of fun and found the right people to support us and bring skill sets that we don't have.”
They also took on the bold challenge of incorporating their own poetry and music into the film, Carissa said. About half of the film is a visual depiction of their poetry, and they were a little apprehensive about releasing it for the first time.
Advertisement 5
Article content
Cat said there will also be a full soundtrack with eight original songs.
Taking a leap of faith, the twins plan to publish their poems before the film's release.
By July 21st (their birthday), they will each release two poetry books and a collection of film poems.
While they wait for TIFF's response, the Strains are considering holding a local premiere of the film later this year.
“I think a lot of people are going to come out and see some of the faces and places they know and love in the city,” Cat said.
For more information, visit sisterssstrain.com or contact us at contact@sistersstrain.com or @sistersstrain on Instagram.
eshreve@postmedia.com
Article content