This photo is from the trailer for a documentary film call THE ORIGINALS.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ DOXA Festival
April 21, 2024 - 7:00 AM
The history and magic of the renowned Caravan Farm Theatre in Armstrong has been captured in a documentary.
Vancouver film producer Niall McNeil grew up on the 80-acre farm north of Vernon with the original crew of performers that established the theatre in 1978.
The trailer for McNeil’s documentary THE ORIGINALS shows vintage footage and black and white photos of a wide variety of diverse people wearing masks and costumes and carrying instruments.
Caravans of horses are seen trotting through downtown streets and groups of performers are shown cooking and playing.
McNeil interviewed numerous artists including some of the original performers, and added some of his photos and experiences growing up with the diverse group.
“So, we came out of Montreal, we decided to come out west to start a horse drawn caravan and do theatre from town to town,” said one interviewee in the trailer.
“It’s a collection of very diverse people that are shoved together for compressed, intensive periods of creation,” said another.
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McNeil can be heard narrating in the short film teaser.
“I’ve been there since I was a little baby, everybody got a warm welcome from mom, and me and my dad,” he said. “It’s my family, my greater caravan family.”
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Located at 4886 Salmon River Road, the Caravan Farm Theatre is a legendary outdoor theatre that draws crowds every year with creative, outdoor experiences, including immersive Christmas performances with lights and soundtracks visitors take can in while riding on sleighs.
THE ORIGINALS will have its world premiere at the upcoming DOXA Film Festival in Vancouver with screenings on May 3 and 11.
Go here for information and tickets.
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