‘Main-ers’ writer and star Natasha Hurlburt poses with some of the cast and crew on the red carpet at Stronghold Brewery.
Fort Macleod celebrated Natasha Hurlburt and the Alberta independent film industry Saturday at the Empress Theatre.
The Empress Theatre hosted the screening of three short films including Main-ers, written by and starring Hurlburt, who drew from her youth in Fort Macleod for inspiration.
“The film industry is taking off — it keeps on growing in our beautiful province,” said Brock Skretting, director of creative industries for Lethbridge Economic Development and a key player in the Keep Alberta Rolling initiative.
“We’re so proud of, not only the big projects like Ghostbusters, The Last of Us, and Let Him Go that the town of Fort Macleod is so well-known for but also for our independent, local, native Alberta, owned by Albertans, productions.”
Skretting said the industry is growing and creating more jobs and opportunities for talented Albertans who want to work in film.
Skretting said independent projects like Main-ers that celebrate communities and small towns are critical for the industry.
“We have the backdrops, we have the talent, we have everything we need to make this industry successful,” Skretting said.
Sydney Tobler, who has known Hurlburt since their days in elementary school, recalled her friend’s early fascination with film.
“Tash always dreamed of becoming an actor,” Tobler said. “A dream that has become a reality. Not many can claim to have fulfilled their life-long aspirations but Tash has achieved just that.”
“Her journey has been paved with blood, sweat, tears and countless sleepless nights. Through it all, Tash has embraced every setback as a challenge to overcome.”
Main-ers is loosely based on a small town practice of young people cruising up and down Main Street on summer nights looking to connect with friends or a party.
“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,” Hurlburt said in an interview prior to the screening.
Guests gathered at Stronghold Brewery early Saturday evening for a red carpet event that included opportunities for photos with cast, crew and film industry people.
Macleod MP John Barlow and Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic were among the guests.
Following the screening of Main-ers and two other independent short films, there was a reception at Stronghold Brewery with music by Cody Hall and Tyler Humphries at the brewery.
Hurlburt began developing her project last year after a conversation with Jesus Ortiz, who encouraged Hurlburt to write a script.
“If it was not for Jesus . . . none of this would have been possible,” Hurlburt said of Ortiz, who directed Main-ers.
Ticket sales to Saturday’s event raised close to $3,000 that was donated to the Empress Theatre in appreciation for hosting the screening of Main-ers.
Hurlburt was effusive in her praise for the community and businesses in their support of the project.
“The Town of Fort Macleod went above and beyond,” Hurlburt said. “This would not have been possible without administration and council approving this. It means more to me than you guys will ever know.”
Hurlburt also paid tribute to the cast and crew of Main-ers.
“You guys are amazing,” Hurlburt said.
Directed by 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 Natasha 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.
Hurlburt has entered Main-ers into 12 film festivals in hopes of gaining attention and possibly some awards.
