A short film festival featuring different Jasper newcomers’ stories will premiere at the Jasper Activity Centre June 11. 

The shorts, produced by filmmaker Mike Lang, showcase the settlement journeys of six individuals who have arrived in Jasper from around the globe.

“They’re literally from all over the world and bring all difference experiences,” Lang said.

Lang, who was hired by Jasper Settlement Services to produce the films, takes a unique approach in his story-telling method. Instead of interviewing his subjects in the traditional documentary-interview style, Lang hands control of the process over to the subjects themselves. They write the voice-overs, they choose the images and video clips and they make the directorial choices. Although Lang coaches and supports them (and does the bulk of the editing), it’s the newcomers, not Lang, who are telling their own stories.

“In a certain context it’s way more meaningful,” Lang said. “That’s what’s going to make this night really special and unique.”

Ultimately, the films will be part of a newcomer support toolkit developed by the Municipality of Jasper. Part of a larger project funded by Alberta Immigration and Multiculturalism, the series aims to increase awareness of the newcomer experience and improve Albertans’ readiness to support newcomers on their settlement journey, according to the MOJ’s Community Development Manager, Lisa Riddell. 

The films demonstrate that the support from community members goes a long way in helping newcomers feel welcome in their new home, Lang said. One of the themes which cut across several of the shorts was the idea of someone taking an active interest in the newcomers’ lives. In one film, a newcomer was encouraged by a local Jasperite to take a lifeguarding class. In another, a resident helped a newcomer find a home and a place to work. Lang, who calls Calgary home, said he gained a deeper appreciation for the community approach to welcoming newcomers.

“I don’t know if I appreciated how much connecting with community can fundamentally help someone transition to a new life,” he said. 

And that’s what he hopes audience members will take away on June 11 during the premiere of the short films. In addition to the film screening, the evening will feature discussions with the six subjects of the films. Those conversations will be facilitated by Lang.

“It’s going to have a cool, interactive energy,” he said. “It’ll be movies, but also conversations.”

The films debut at the Short Film Premiere on Tuesday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jasper Activity Centre. Refreshments will be served; all ages are welcome. RSVP to sray@jasper-alberta.ca to save a seat. 

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com