Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) and Daniel Doheny (Adventures in Public School) in a scene from the movie "Drinkwater" filmed in Penticton.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Suitcase Charlie Films

A movie that was set and filmed in Penticton during the pandemic has won top honours at its world premier at the Calgary International Film Festival.

Drinkwater, a coming-of-age comedy, was filmed in only 16 days by Suitcase Charlie Films, a B.C.-based film production company, according to a press release.

The movie, starring Canada's Eric McCormack from the hit TV series Will & Grace, Daniel Doheny (Adventures in Public School) and Louriza Tronco (The Order), won the Audience Choice Award and Best Canadian Narrative.

The movie was directed by veteran Canadian filmmaker Stephen Campanelli and written by newcomers Luke Fraser and Edward McDonald.

Two of the main characters, played by Daniel Doheny and Louriza Tronco, in the movie "Drinkwater" that was filmed in Penticton during the pandemic.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Suitcase Charlie Films

It is based on an old Super 8 movie called A Change of Pace that Fraser found in his parents’ garage. The old film was written and shot forty years ago by Luke’s father, Graham Fraser, who produced Drinkwater with Dennis Swartman.

READ MORE: Okanagan film industry brought almost $50 million to the region in 2020

The film follows teen Mike Drinkwater (Daniel Doheny) and his offbeat father Hank (Eric McCormack) who spends more time tying not to get caught defrauding the government that being a role model. With Hank’s old high school bully Wesley back in the picture, and Wesley’s son Luke now bullying Mike, things finally take a turn for the better when a young girl from the United States moves in next door. She helps Mike fit in a bit more while also training him for a big cross country race against Luke, and Mike helps her adjust to her new life and how to live in small-town British Columbia.

“It’s an incredible honour for all of us who worked on this film to win this particular award," Suitcase Charlie Films’ founder and president Graham Fraser said in the release. "This film was made for audiences to enjoy, laugh, and put a smile on their faces. To get this response is truly something special.”

The movie "Drinkwater" was filmed in Penticton over 16 days during the COVID pandemic.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Suitcase Charlie Films

“To see that this film truly resonates with a Canadian audience is tremendously rewarding," co-writer Luke Fraser said in the release. “We’re so proud that this story we’ve worked so hard to tell has already been honoured by festival audiences and we can’t wait for more people to see it."

READ MORE: Penticton will be the star in movie set to begin production in September

The movie "Drinkwater" was filmed in Penticton in just 16 days during the COVID pandemic.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Suitcase Charlie Films

“What this film team was able to do in an incredibly short amount of time, during a pandemic no less, was remarkable," director Stephen Campanelli said in the release. “I was already thrilled with the final result but to be named the audience favourite is beyond gratifying and an absolute honour.”

Drinkwater will be shown at festivals into 2022.

You can find more information about the movie here.

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