It's not every day a couple of young guys who grew up in Meadowvale get the red carpet treatment.
Tomorrow, though, brothers Jeff and Matt Campagna will experience just that.
They'll finally get to see the debut of the full-length feature film they directed, edited, wrote and produced.
The Canadian theatrical premiere of Six Reasons Why takes place at
Courtneypark AMC Theatre, starting at 7 p.m., complete with all the pre-opening night festivities. It includes interviews with the cast and crew and a chance to meet the stars at the wrap-up party at Shoeless Joes AMC after the screening.
One of the stars of the movie is veteran stage and film actor Colm Feore, who'll be on hand Tuesday.
The brothers tried hard to play it cool, but could barely contain their excitement. “It’s the first time it has been on the big screen, ever,” Matt said.
“The city of Mississauga has been really supportive on this project; there really is a fever pitch,” added Jeff. “This is where it all began and where it should be first seen.”
The entrepreneurial siblings, who are in their mid-20s, have tapped into a film genre rarely seen since the '60s. Six Reasons Why is a modern-day spaghetti western with a dash of Clint Eastwood and a hint of Quentin Tarantino.
Jeff and Matt remained true to their Canadian roots, despite the trials and tribulations of producing their movie.
“To some people it seems like we are an overnight success. But, really, it has taken us almost three years from thinking about the project to actually getting here today,” said Matt.
“They don’t call it show business for nothing. It’s half show, half business,” Jeff added.
With a budget of only $12,000, the brothers had to work harder, longer, smarter and more creatively to keep costs in line. They filmed in the Badlands of Drumheller, Alberta, a fitting backdrop for the four-man stand-off, all with guns drawn. Only one rides away.
Treading on new ground with their project inspired the brothers to create the Mississauga Independent Film Festival. It was their chance to help other independent filmmakers “elevate their public profile.”
“There are two routes you can take," said Jeff. "You can aspire to become an assistant director or director. Or you can put everything you have on the line. It’s a lot more risk, but a lot more of a reward. It was a serious gamble to take and for us, the stars aligned perfectly.”
Tickets cost $10 and are available at the theatre box office (110 Courtneypark Dr.) the night of the show.
onlinenews@mississauga.net
