Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 22/99) - "North of 60 crew welcomed on first shoot in Yellowknife," said the Calgary Herald in a banner headline.

In a story written in September, while the cast and crew were shooting in Yellowknife, producer and stars alike were effusive in their feelings about their host town.

They still are, and as a result, we're due for another stellar visit. Producer Doug MacLeod, writer Andrew Wreggitt -- nominated for a Gemini for his first North of 60 film script -- and one of the stars will come to Yellowknife for the world premiere of Trial By Fire: A North of 60 Mystery.

The event, hosted by CBC North, will be a fund-raiser for the Far North Film Festival.

"There will be an introduction to the film by the producer, and probably a pre-discussion by the writer and a lead character," explains Charles Laird, Far North Film Festival organizer.

As for CBC North, they're thrilled that Yellowknife gets the premiere screening.

"Some of the biggest fans are up here," says Cathie Bolstad, program marketing director.

And for Alberta Filmworks, the producers, it's an equal thrill.

"For the first time, as you know, we were able to come and do some shooting in the North," says the film's publicist Fran Humphreys.

"We've been really, really connected through cultural advisors and the RCMP. A whole lot of research team has been up North very many times. But as a crew, we never had been."

Humphreys adds the Northern community is part of the show, as the show is part of the Northern community.

"It was so great to actually crystallize that this year," she continues.

The premiere screening will take place a week before the film airs on CBC.

"It's just a wonderful reflection of the relationship that's there. It makes it real to us in a different way. And we're so excited because the North will get to see themselves, and celebrate themselves as part of the film and television community in Canada," says Humphreys.

We had such incredible support up there, people really put their lives on hold, adds Humphreys.

"They really showed a profound commitment to helping make the show real up there."

Everyone came through, she says, adding that the local RCMP were incredible.

"They were not just providing advice. They were our extras and our stunt doubles. It just was incredible how far they went. And Gary Singer was also above and beyond the call of duty, and ended up showing up as an extra.

"And the stars, like Tom (Jackson) and Tina (Keeper) and Peter Kelly Gaudreault were also really warmly received and having that connection with so many people."

As of press time, it wasn't certain which stars would make it up for the premiere, taking place at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre Jan. 8. Also, don't miss the chance to see our own Yellowknifers shine on screen. Tickets are $10.

See the review of Trial by Fire in the Yellowknifer Jan. 7.

The new North of 60 movie will air on CBC, Sunday, Jan. 16, at 8 p.m.