Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 07/00) - At first, while watching North of 60: Trial by Fire, all I kept thinking was, "When am I going to see Yellowknife? When am I going to see Yellowknife?" I was worse than a kid.

As everyone knows, part of the film was shot on location in Yk last summer. Many locals were involved as extras and many helped out any way they could so that the shoot ran as smooth as possible.

That's why it's so exciting that the film will be premiered in our city tomorrow night, one week before it airs on national television. It's doubly significant, since the proceeds from tickets sold will be donated to our very own Far North Film Festival.

As I watched the tape I was sent, I eventually got over my childish behaviour and was drawn into the mystery, the political intrigue and the sorely tested relationships.

Loosely, and without giving any secrets away, the plot is as follows: in a week's time Peter Kenidi, played by Tom Jackson, will find out if he's to be named premier. Along his merry way to these dizzying political heights, he's been involved in some deal-making; deal-making that may prove shady. When there's a murder in Lynx River, the whole can of worm explodes.

These events pit brother against sister, as Michelle Kenidi (Tina Keeper) is the investigating officer. Emotions run high. Peter and Michelle's trust in each other falters and pain from their past surfaces.

Michelle and her partner James Harper (Peter Kelly Gaudreault) also have a few face-offs. James has his own biases regarding political shenanigans, wheeling and dealing and whatever else it is some nasty politicians are apt to do when power replaces good intentions.

Then I saw Yellowknife! There were a few stunning aerial shots I played over and over again because Yellowknife really is beautiful. The bays, the lakes, our little downtown. I thought how amazing it is that Canadians from coast to coast will get to see the city most can't place on a map.

There is, of course, a shot of the legislature. A most unique architectural structure nestled in the stunningly beautiful Northern landscape.

As for Peter's guilt or innocence...you will simply have to attend the premiere at NACC tomorrow night. Events unravel in true intrigue-movie style; a few emotional final minutes that culminate in one final breathtaking shot of the legislature. Just don't go giving away the ending to any friends and relatives outside Yellowknife!

CBC North will be hosting a reception at the event and producer Doug MacLeod, writer Andrew Wreggitt, as well as one of the movie's stars, Peter Kelly Gaudreault, will be present. An autograph signing session will take place between 6:30 and 7 p.m., prior to the screening. Tickets are available at the Birchwood Gallery.