Sudbury shines in The Truth

Even with stars like Eva Longoria, Forest Whitaker and Andy Garcia shining on the big screen, Ruby Boileau said it was still easy to see Sudbury in the background of The Truth. 

Boileau was one of many who attended the gala screening of the locally-filmed production during Cinéfest.

Not only did she enjoy the show, but she appreciated the familiar sights.

“I thought it was extremely well done,” she said. “It had a great flow to it. It was nice they had a lot of recognizable spots.”

Boileau was among the hundreds of theatre-goers to to attend a post-screening reception at the Radisson Hotel. Damian Lee, director of The Truth, as well as producer Bill Marks and actors Lara Daans and Arcadia Lee made it out for the gala event.

Parts of The Truth were shot in Sudbury last fall. The film is a thriller about a Canadian company that has secured rights to all the water in Ecuador. When a village is massacred, the corporation tries to cover up the crime. The film’s hero, played by Garcia, travels to Ecuador to uncover “the truth.”  A number of locals had the chance to act in extra roles and be part of the process. 

Amanda Stillar's perception of the film industry was wildly transformed after she got to be “on the other end.”

The Sudburian played a protester during a scene while the film crew was in town. Watching the action from behind the scenes was an “eye-opening” experience, she said.

Camera operators dashed off in every direction, other crew members scuttled about and the overall feeling was one of excitement, Stillar said.

"After being behind the scenes and watching the crew and cast work it was very exciting to see the finished product," she said after attending the Sept. 17 gala. "It was exhilarating to see myself and my friends on the 'big screen' as well. Overall, it was an experience I will never forget, one well worth the time and effort."

Cinéfest continues from now until Sept. 23. For a full list of films, visit www.cinefest.com.