"This is a marvellous story, a marvellous script, it's well written, and it's rich and multi-layered. It's a story that I haven't seen told before."
John Rhys-Davies, known for his roles in Indiana Jones and Lord of the Rings, fell in love with not only his character in the film Moments in Spacetime, but also with the community.
"Could it have anything to do with the fact that you're warm, welcoming, friendly, outgoing, accommodating, generous of spirit and heart? That would have something to do with it, because it's true," he told the Nouvelle in an interview.
"The unconsidered life is not worth living, and you have a lot of very considered lives here," he continued. "These are people that are aware of their contribution, their need to contribute, their need of the community. Without being choking, it's a community dependent on itself, depending on each other, building that trust, which is wonderful for an outside to come in and be welcomed. It's a revelation."
Rhys-Davies plays the character of a dementia-ridden grandfather in the locally written and shot film: Moments in Spacetime.
Written by Chris Cowden, the movie tells the story of Macie, an immigrant who was adopted at the age of 12 by a Canadian family.
Based off of the life of Patty Srisuwan, who portrays Macie in the film, it shares the story of a young immigrant growing up in Canada after being adopted by a family who shortly after has a biological child. She spends quite a bit of time taking care of her grandfather who suffers from dementia.
Similar to Srisuwan, the story held personal value to Rhys-Davies.
"My darling wife had dementia for 30 of the 42 years we were married," he described during a press conference. "The fearful thing about long-lasting diseases like this, is in the end, love goes. The burden is enormous."
Cowden told the crowd that gathered at the Grande Parlour Theatre on Wednesday, May 15, the film is meant to start the conversation on immigration.
"It isn't a simple topic, and I hope that your eyes might be opened and that conversation is really what elevates us towards more open conscientiousness. That was my plan, was to create a story that would do that."
By using Srisuwan's real-life experiences, Cowden is hoping people see another side to the issue.
"We bring it from a very original point of view that will be neat for the audience to experience."
Rhys-Davies noted it's also putting a spotlight on dementia and what it's like living with the disease.
"It's literally Moments in Spacetime for those who suffer some part of that horrid affliction," he exclaimed.
Sam Gittins, a British actor who's had roles in films such as Await Further Instruction and television series Call the Midwife, welcomed the opportunity to portray one of the characters in Moments in Spacetime.
He said, "It's a very unique story... It's very relatable and real."
For Srisuwan, the feeling of not only acting alongside people like Rhys-Davies and Gittins, but also seeing her life unfold on the set, is surreal.
"It's very emotional to me and it's very touching. It's not just a story, but I get to speak for immigrants around the world. To get to do that, is amazing."
One of her favourite scenes in the film is a moment where Macie and her grandfather get very emotional.
"The fact that the dialogue revealed the truth of life, I think those are some of my favourites," she said.
Former Cold Lake resident Kathryn Hotte and her son Nicholas Hotte also have roles to play in the making of the film.
Kathryn portrays Macie's mother, while Nicholas works more behind the scenes.
"I was more of a technical assistant and trainee, so I would help behind the camera and did a lot of slating," described Nicholas.
Kathryn said, "It was super cool. I now have a true understanding and appreciation for what it means to actually make a movie."
Rhys-Davies, who wrapped up his filming this week, left the area with fond memories.
"A woman said on our set as we were being disturbed by these F-18s practicing, 'you hear that, that's the sound of freedom,'" he detailed. "For a sentimental old man like me, when I hear that, it gladdens my heart."
Cowden is hoping to have the film ready for the fall after wrapping up shooting in the coming weeks and spending the summer editing.
He explained how seeing it all come together is "absolutely thrilling, especially when you spend a year developing a character and writing a script, and having an image in your head of what you want it to be. After that, the filming and production process is the execution of that. You get to see the actors and everyone else involved in the crew, bring those images to life. It becomes a living and breathing thing - this abstract idea that becomes something people can watch, relate to, and enjoy."
He told the Nouvelle, "The entire Lakeland and Cold Lake has been fantastic. Everyone's opened their doors, from city council and the mayors to the ambulance and fire department. So many people have volunteered their time, and this is a fantastic place to film a movie."
