local fimmaker: Life and death in film
Robyn Radcliffe, The Peak
When Jesse was Born takes an unconventional look at blue collar crime - one that shocked, and infuriated me, leaving me speechless. I had walked into an open space, ironically named Open Space, on Main Street not knowing what to expect. The screening was a funky, artist-inspired event that combined great music, people, and alcoholic bevies (always a good combination) with two screenings of the just under 30-minute film, When Jesse Was Born. We scrambled to our seats to prepare ourselves for the film, and sat mesmerised for its entire duration. Not being experienced in short films, I was surprised to find myself enduring the emotions of a feature-length film in only 29 minutes. But of all my recent experiences with film, I found this to be the most accurate, realistic, moving, and entertaining film I have seen lately.
The film centers on a slightly unconventional, somewhat idiosyncratic, working-class family and their everyday lives. A tumultuous, violent, but loving relationship between father, mother, and children develops, along with the birth of the third child, Jesse. Blue-collar crime is ever present in the background as the father, Harold (Ryan Robbins), tries to provide for his family. Their lives are humorous, tragic, and chaotic at times, but ultimately, the turbulence of violence and alcohol clash to form a heart-wrenching conclusion that succinctly defines the potential tragic consequences of crime, that left me in tears.
Tovah Zalik-Wallac, the producer, is a student at SFU, finishing up her joint BFA and BBA major. She moved from Edmonton the moment she finished high school and "started knocking on doors, begging people to hire me as a production assistant." She has been working in the film industry for six years in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton. She beams with both pride and an imminent pregnancy as she tells the story of the film's production.
In May 2004, Chris Petry (director/writer) and Kaleena Kiff (producer) recruited her to work as a producer for When Jesse was Born. Petry had written the script, drawing on life experiences saying, "I just wanted to write a story about something I know," but never suspected that the script would have such a strong impact. "The ending made me happy until I watched it as a viewer." Ultimately the story turned out to be an emotional journey that the creators are unbelievably proud of, which is completely understandable. I want so show everyone this film, and I didn't even make it!
They made the decision to keep the film under 30 minutes so that it would meet film festival requirements. The movie has been sent out to numerous festivals in hopes it will draw the attention nationally and internationally. Petry and Zalik-Wallace both attribute much of the success to the overwhelming support of the Vancouver film community and the enthusiasm and unwavering support of all those involved.
Everything about this film, from its poignant story to the interviews I had with some of the creators, is undeniably powerful. Drawing attention to blue-collar crime and uncovered areas of everyday life (portrayed dramatically), this film epitomises the potential of the Vancouver film industry and hints at future success, against a backdrop of superficial Hollywood movies.