Red Deer-based filmmaker Rueben Tschetter is telling some uniquely Central Albertan stories with the help of a grant from Telus Optik.
Tschetter has been working since last fall to make 15 short films about interesting people and projects in the area. He financed the six-to 20- minute long documentaries with more than $20,000 he received for The Cache Project from Telus Optik.
His films touch on a wide array of local subjects — from former Red Deer mayor Morris Flewwelling’s new life in the saddle, to backyard farming and ecological efforts, to the largest fire-suppression firm in Western Canada in Penhold.
Tschetter, whose docs can be seen on Telus Optik TV or on YouTube, said he wanted to spotlight some of the rural communities and people that make this region a fascinating place to live.
“The answer to the question ‘What is the Western Canadian identity?’ lies in the stories we tell,” he added.
His latest short films are:
• To Canada With Love — Red Deer photographer Tim Van Horn travels the country to capture “the light within” for Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017.
• Keeping Up With ALUS — Alternative Land Use Services Canada is changing how farmers view wetlands.
• Rogue Art & Design — Trent Leach creates art from metal and glass in Central Alberta.
• Taimi Soil Projects — Rancho Relaxo owners Jeff and Juli Gillies show how to sustain your family from your own backyard.
• The Flags Of Remembrance — Allan Cameron’s project to display exceptional patriotism in Central Alberta.
• The Gopher Hole Museum — Torrington’s rather bizarre-take-on-life museum.
• The Great Rejuvenation of Downtown Red Deer — Traces the rebirth of downtown Red Deer.
• The Philosophical Cowboy: Alberta Perspectives From The Saddle — Morris Flewwelling, past mayor of Red Deer and current rancher, gives his perspective of Central Alberta.
• Asooahum Crossing — A classic case of NIMBY as Clearview Ridge residents oppose an aboriginal culture centre and affordable housing project in their neighbourhood.
• Mind Bending Canadian Badlands — Drumheller’s Canadian Badlands Passion Play and Royal Tyrrell Museum are explored.
• The Special Areas — How Alberta’s Special Areas Act can be used to respond to the challenges of climate change.
• Air Attack — A look at Air Spray Aviation, the largest fire suppression company in Western Canada.
• Farmer John — Between hailstorms, weeds and a small market, John Mills keeps an organic vegetable farm going in Central Alberta.
• Will To Live — Markus Sommer lives the life, plays the music, feels the experience, believes in the renaissance of the cowboy.
• Making Sense Of Scents — Stan Forsyth talks about making smells that can lure animals out of the forest.
Tschetter hopes viewers will learn something new about this region and gain some insight about what makes us uniquely Central Albertan.
He sought out stories that “encapsulate the innovation, diligence, energy and emotion within a strong Albertan identity.”
The filmmaker is applying for financing to continue with The Cache Project. He plans to make fewer documentaries in future that will explore subject matter at greater depth.
To view his past films please visit www.thecacheproject.ca.
Telus Optik Local supports original storytelling in British Columbia and Alberta by providing funding to filmmakers to produce content, as well as to maximize their potential and exposure to new audiences. Content is distributed for free on Telus Optik TV, as well as online.
lmichelin@reddeeeradvocate.com