‘Main-ers’ was filmed on Main Street and in several other locations in Fort Macleod.
A new short film written and starring Natasha Hurlburt captures a slice of 1990s life in Fort Macleod.
Main-ers, which will be screened in a red carpet event Saturday, April 13 in support of the Empress Theatre, is loosely based on Hurlburt’s youth in her home town of Fort Macleod.
“It’s a typical summer Friday night,” Hurlburt said of the story. “‘We always pulled main-ers. Everybody was usually on Main Street . . . if you were looking for somebody or something to do, there was somebody around.”
“You pulled main-ers until you found somebody and found out what was going on for the night and you see where the night takes you.”
The 18-minute short film, along with two others, will be screened starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at the Empress Theatre.
Admission is $20, with all proceeds going to support the Empress Theatre.
In addition, Hurlburt has organized a red carpet event involving actors and other Alberta film industry types with a reception at Stronghold Brewery to follow the films.
There will be opportunities for photos with cast and crew, and to mingle with people involved in Alberta’s film industry, with music by Cody Hall and Tyler Humphries at the brewery.
Main-ers began taking shape last year during what Hurlburt described as her most successful year to date as an actor.
“I was given the opportunity to network with quite a few very talented people within the industry — producers, directors, actors,” Hurlburt said. “I connected with a guy named Jesus Ortiz.”
Hurlburt told Ortiz of her desire to create her own project, filmed in her home town.
Ortiz encouraged Hurlburt to write a script, which she did.
“It was only right that it was based on growing up here,” Hurlburt said. “It all came together, and the stars aligned for everything.”
Hurlburt started writing the script for the 18-minute film in March and completed it the following month.
“It was a little nostalgic,” Hurlburt said of writing about life in her home town. “There’s things that you forget and as you kind of start popping up memories a few more come along.”
“It was a trip down memory lane in a sense but there’s also a little bit of make-believe to it too. There’s a lot that based around things that did happen, but it’s not based on a specific person or the exact situation that occurred. You have to spin it so it works for film.”
Hurlburt was effusive in her praise for the community and businesses in their support of the project, the Town of Fort Macleod for “going above and beyond,” and individuals who donated time, money and vehicles.
“The support was huge,” Hurlburt said. “It was heart-warming.”
Directed by Jesus Ortiz and set in 1997, Main-ers was shot in a three-day period over a weekend.
Hurlburt wrangled vehicles of 1997 and earlier vintage, and Main Street was shut down for filming. Scenes were also shot at the outdoor swimming pool, River Valley Wilderness Park, and Circle C convenience store and gas bar.
“There’s definitely that ’90s feel to the film,” Hurlburt said. “It has that vintage feel to it.”
The cast of Main-ers includes Hurlburt as Ashley, Chantelle Vant Erve as Monica, Danielle D’Aangelo as Ben, Trevor Loman as Brad, Nik Belitchenko as Mik, Nick Bohle as Ryan, Ben Bohle as Nate, Kevin Moriarity as Kevin, Garry Morrison as Garry and Fabian Novell as Kyle.
The crew also includes first assistant director Lance Smith, director of production Brandon Brown, boom operator Matt Mattioli, second camera operator Brandon Demish, second assistant director and PA Bao Hong, sound designer Quinn Hawse and editor Brandon Demish.
All but one actor is Alberta-based, as is the crew.
“This is ultimately showcasing the talent Alberta’s independent film can bring to the table,” Hurlburt said.
Hurlburt has entered Main-ers into 12 film festivals in hopes of gaining attention and possibly some awards.
It was an emotional moment when Hurlburt saw the completed film.
“Goosebumps,” Hurlburt said of her reaction to viewing her project, crediting the work of the cast and crew. “It’s pretty wild to see it all come together.”
Hurlburt encouraged Fort Macleod residents to attend the event, including those interested in the film industry as well as those who may have “pulled main-ers” at some time in their lives.
