My 15 yr. old grandson, Michael Stevantoni, finished CIPHER, an 18 min. film he directed last summer. It’s been a labor of love. He and I co-wrote an adaptation of a screenplay he found on the net (with the author’s permission), and then produced it. It’s been an amazing journey, watching my grandson tackle all the obstacles that came his way. For Michael, as an avid filmmaker, giving up wasn’t an option. As a writer, I understand that. No matter what isn’t working, you keep at it, if you’re doing what you love.
Now that Cipher is in the can, the next step is a screening in the community. It’s been highly rewarding working with local talent who were so generous in every department. Island North Film Commission was a huge support with locations, and as luck would have it, Joan Miller, its film commissioner, (also VP of Association of Film Commissioners International) is heading to Cannes Film Festival this week and is taking five copies of Michael’s film with her. Even if the film doesn’t leave her bag, we can say that the film CIPHER was in Cannes.
Great work Michael and Diana! It might be tough to beat the excitement of Cannes, but there are many looking forward to the premiere in Campbell River!