Hay River (Sep 27/04) - Premiere night is approaching for three new films by a Hay River teenager.

"It's my big night," says Kelvin Redvers of the Oct. 2 first showings of his new works.

The 17-year-old Grade 12 student wrote, directed, filmed and edited the short movies. They are the 35-minute 'Sheep', the 13-minute 'Dignity' and 'Six', which will run less than 10 minutes.

Hay River teenager Kelvin Redvers is premiering three new films on Oct. 2. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Redvers spent much of his Grade 11 year making 'Sheep.'

"It's about how stupid fads and rumours can be," he says, although he declined to elaborate on the film until it is premiered.

His film teacher, Ryan Uchman, describes 'Sheep' and 'Dignity' as social commentaries on the teenage experience. "They both sort of poke fun at the problems that teenagers face."

'Sheep' features 35 credited student actors from Diamond Jenness Secondary School (DJSS), along with 15 extras.

'Six' is described as a love story.

Uchman has nothing but praise for Redvers' work, explaining he is already making films at the university graduate level.

"It's really, really good. It's not representative of someone his age."

Viewers won't have to react with "pity applause" to the films, he adds. "These will be just as good as what you see on TV."

Semi-formal

The free premiere is being planned as a semi-formal affair, mainly for a mature audience.

Redvers says many people have probably seen him around town with his camera. "This is a chance to see what I've done," he says.

There will be an intermission and music, and Redvers will be on hand to discuss the films.

The young filmmaker hopes to become a professional director in the future.

On Oct. 6, there will be a showing of the films at DJSS, at a cost of $2 a person.

The library and school showings will also include a video submitted to a Skills Canada competition by Redvers and Tyler Provincial. That film won third place in the national contest.