Canada Film Day was celebrated at Wahnapitae First Nation this week with a special film showing at The White Owl Film Studios, located on the Reserve north of Greater Sudbury.
Along with celebrating at the new White Owl soundstage facility, a massive domed structure, the audience was treated to a showing of The Road To Tophet, a feature film about a Northern Ontario man who wants to quit drug trafficking.
The award winning film, produced in 2014, tells the story of an international drug smuggling group based out of Chapleau, with scenes shot in Chapleau and Sudbury.
Axel Green was one of the stars of the movie and is now working with White Owl Film Studios to promote film production in the North.
The new studio facility, which opened last year, features a fully-enclosed clear-span studio space covering 20,000 square feet of space that is more than six stories high.
White Owl is owned by Roy Roque of Wahnapitae, along with Peter Lavigne and other partners.
"Today is all about celebrating Canadian voices, and it's no coincidence that we're doing it here at the largest indigenous-led studio in Ontario, and maybe even all of Canada. At White Owl, we're deeply committed to creating a space for stories rooted in community, culture and connection," said Green.
"This event is about just that, bringing people together, uplifting Canadian storytellers, and recognizing the power of film to reflect who we are and who we strive to become," he added.
Green said more attention is needed for film-making in Canada. He said it is a chance to show off who we are, especially in Northern Ontario.
"So whether you're a filmmaker, a student, a community member or simply someone who loves movies, this day is for you. It's about celebrating who we are as Canadians, our voices, our stories, and how we show up for one another, elbow to elbow," said Green.
"Canadian cinema is bold, beautiful and unshakably unique, and right here in Northern Ontario, we are proud to carry that legacy forward. So enjoy the films, the music, the conversation and the sense of community that surrounds you."