In 2010, I was assisting with a theatre production in my hometown of Meaford, Ontario.  The play, called The Tank Range Project was based on the military expropriation of the farmland along Cape Rich, just northwest of Meaford, during World War II.  While going through the material and documentation of the Tank Range and its former residents, I became immersed in the local history and by extension the 5000 years of rich and evocative cultural heritage that surrounds Georgian Bay.  Prior to the arrival of the Europeans in the 1600s several different aboriginal tribes inhabited the bay area:  The Anishinaabe on the north, east, and western shores, and The Wyandot-Hurons and Tionontati along the south side. 

The legend of Kitchikewana is a remnant of the Huron dynasty and remains a poignant tale about unrequited love and the creation of one of Canada’s most famous landscapes.  There are a few variations but it is principally the story of a temperamental god, the son of the Great Spirit Manitou, whose frequent tantrums made him feared even among his own people.  The Hurons decided that finding him a wife might calm him, but he rejected all of the women presented to him.  He had fallen for Wanakita, a princess visiting from a neighboring settlement.  But when Wanakita rejected Kitchikewana, telling him that she was in love with a warrior from her own tribe, Kitchikewana, in despair, scooped up a handful of earth and threw it into the bay, creating the 30 000 islands.  The imprint of his hand can been seen in the five inlet bays along the coast.  His resting place is said to be Giant’s Tomb.

Kitchikewana, the film, analogies that story, taking it into a modern setting, and examining the historical and personal parallels between contemporary characters.

-Jonathan Duder

After the death of his father, sixteen-year old Jude is sent to spend the summer with his Grandparents in Midland, a small tourist town on the southeastern coast of Georgian Bay.  After a few uneventful and tedious weeks lounging around his grandparent’s cottage, his boredom leads him to venture out and explore the bay.  While in Penetanguishene, he boards the Georgian Queen, a small tour boat that loops the 30 000 islands archipelago.   As the vessel approaches Giant’s Tomb, an isolated and ominous island on the eastern side of the archipelago, Jude meets Georgia, an enigmatic young woman seeking her own diversion.  He is quickly infatuated, and manages to strike up a conversation with Georgia, but she remains aloof and distant.  As the boat heads back towards shore, Jude searches for a way to extend their chance encounter.

The film aims to capture the unique and nostalgic atmosphere of these authentic locations at the peak of their summer appeal:

 The 30 000 Islands – The iconic Canadian landscape of dolomite isles and windswept pines has inspired visitors and artists for several generations including, most famously, Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven.   It is the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, and in 2004 was designated a biosphere reserve.  The islands are known for their remarkable diversity of plants and animals.    

 Penetanguishene – Penetanguishene (the name meaning “land of white rolling sands” in Abenaki) is a community on the southeastern tip of Georgian Bay and one of Canada’s oldest towns.   Much of history and culture is still visible in its preserved buildings, churches and heritage sites like Discovery Harbour, The Centennial Museum and Archives, and the stone and copper statue of Kitchikewana that marks the gateway to Georgian Bay.

CAST

RILEY BUGARESTI - Jude

JESSICA RYAN - Georgia

CREW

Alona Metzer - Producer

Alona Metzer is an up-and-coming producer and actress primed to make her mark in the industry. She attended David Mamet and William H Macy's Atlantic Acting School in New York City in 2008 and made her way back to Toronto to immerse herself in the local industry. She recently wrapped filming on Surviving Evil, which will have its North American premiere in September on Slice Network and Discovery ID. Pizza Bagel, the short film in which she starred alongside comedienne Carla Collins screened at the 2013 Cannes Short Film Corner, the Toronto Jewish Film Festival, as well as other major international film festivals. In 2011, Alona worked on the production side of the world premiere of Woody Harrelson's play Bullet for Adolf. She is production executive at The Wild Machine, a commercial production company which specializes in narrative branding. Alona is currently developing the short Eros, which has received an Ontario Arts Council grant, and in preproduction for Journo, a thriller which will be filmed in September. She is excited to be bringing Southern Georgian Bay's rich culture to film!

Jonathan Duder - Writer/Director

www.jonathanscottduder.com

Jonathan was raised in several small towns across Ontario and developed an early affinity for outdoor exploration and wilderness adventures.  His experiences living in the historically and culturally significant rural communities greatly influenced his creative development.  Now a Toronto based writer, filmmaker and photographer, with a versatile resume that includes film and theatre credits he aspires to produce character driven work that explores the natural world and its history.  He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Studies from Ryerson University.

Nick Haight - Director of Photography

Nick Haight, an up and coming cinematographer is a recent graduate of the Ryerson Film Program.  In addition to his studies, for the last two years, Nick has worked at PS – Production Services, in the camera department. Here he gained valuable first- hand knowledge of digital camera equipment.  Nick’s knowledge, focused work ethic and creativity made him a highly sought after cinematographer amongst his peers at Ryerson. Nick was honoured to act as Director of Photography on 4 films in his graduating year – more than any other cinematographer in the program. 

• Director of Photography, Transplant Canada PSA (2013)- Short Fiction
• Director of Photography, Driftwood (2013)- Short Fiction
• Director of Photography, Volition (2013)- Short Fiction
• Director of Photography, To Look Away(2013)- Short Fiction
• Director of Photography, Lucas & Jack (2012)- Short Fiction
• Director of Photography, Point Blank “Glory” (2012)- Music Video
• Director of Photography, Sunny Day Essays (2012) - Short Fiction
• Director of Photography, Point Blank “Loyalty” (2012)  - Music Video
• Director of Photography, Remember me Cancariss (2011) - Documentary
• Director of Photography, No cover, No coatcheck (2011) - Documentary
• Director of Photography, Mark Peckmezian (2011) - Short Documentary
• Director,                          Em-Jay (2011) - Short Documentary

Filmmaking is an expensive endeavor.   Bringing this story, the characters and the location to life requires some help with meeting our budget.   Your contribution would help cover the cost of things like:

• Equipment Rental
• Insurance
• Location
• Film, Processing and Transfer  
• Cast and Crew accommodations

Other ways to help:  If you cannot support with a donation, please take a moment to share our campaign with your friends, and family.  We're also looking for local support in terms of providing craft for our hard-working, volunteer cast and crew.  If you'd like to make a non-monetary donation, we'd love to speak to you.  Please contact us kitchikewana[at]gmail.com