How’s this for a plot:
In a desolate community full of drug-addled Marines and rumors of kidnapping, a wild-eyed stoner named Lou wakes up after a wild night of partying with symptoms of a strange illness and recurring visions as she struggles to get a grip on reality while stories of conspiracy spread.
Sounds pretty crazy right? While the film might not be for everyone, we’re sure some of you would like to watch it just for the scenery — more specifically, recognizable scenery from in and around the Nickel City.
The plot synopsis is for the film Antibirth, which was filmed in Greater Sudbury from March 23-April 15 this year at iconic places such as Northern Breweries and the old Mine Mill Hall. Most of the movie, though, took place at the Northern Ontario Film Studios (at the site of the old Barrydowne Arena) to allow for a controlled environment.
Now, Antibirth has been selected to be part of the Midnight Madness lineup at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival, which runs from Jan. 21-31, 2016, in Park City, Utah.
Written and directed by Danny Perez, the film stars Natasha Lyonne an Emmy-nominated actress, is known for her work in the American Pie series as well as the Netflix series Orange is the New Black. It also stars Chloë Sevigny, who received an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for the film Boys Don't Cry, and won a Golden Globe for the HBO series Big Love.
As if those two names weren’t enough, Canadian Meg Tilly, who won a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination in 1986 for her work in Agnes of God, also stars. Tilly also stars in films like The Big Chill and Valmont, and is most recently known for her work in the television series Bomb Girls.
The film was produced by Hideaway Pictures and Traverse Media. David Anselmo, who owns Hideaway Pictures and is the CEO of Northern Ontario Film Studios, told NorthernLife.ca at the time that is was a pleasure working with such talented actors.
“It was such a pleasure working with Chloe and Natasha,” Anselmo said. “Both being nominated actresses (Natasha an Emmy and Chole an Academy Award), the level of acting that they brought to the film will really stand out when people see it.”
The film also features Mark Webber (Scott Pilgrim VS. The World) and Canadian Maxwell McCabe-Lokos (The Incredible Hulk).
Antibirth contributed about $1.2 million to the local economy, Anselmo said, impacting hotels, restaurants, car rental companies, catering companies and more. It also employed more than 100 local film industry professionals.
Antibirth is produced by Cole Payne, David Anselmo, Justin Kelly, and Lyonne and executive produced by Jeff Rice, Rob Weston, and Lee Broda.
