June 17, 2015
Farpoint Films announced today the start of production of the original feature film, Menorca, will be on June 22, 2015. Filming will take place in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba including a short shooting block in Spain before premiering in 2016.
Menorca is a drama about a hedonistic soccer mom that embarks on a strange journey of self-discovery and seeks to reconnect with her estranged son by returning his pet rock back to the island of Menorca, Spain.
Menorca was written and directed by Farpoint Films’ John Barnard and marks his dramatic feature film debut. Barnard previously directed the award-winning documentary, The Sheepdogs Have At It, as well as Escape or Die! currently airing on OLN and award-winning television shows including The Illegal Eater and The Medicine Line.
“It’s the kind of film you’d never be able to make with a large budget because it’s such a strange and unusual story,” said Barnard. “By virtue of that uniqueness and the characters within, I think people will really connect with it. I’m really pleased to have a bunch of people onboard who understand and share my deviancies enough to throw themselves at it so enthusiastically.”
Menorca marks the third time that lead actor Tammy Gillis (Continuum, Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce) has worked with Barnard, including the award-winning short, Cemetery Love Story, more than 10 years ago.
“It feels great to be able to continue my working relationship with John and Farpoint Films. He’s written a very fun and challenging movie that we’re going to have a blast filming,” said Gillis, who grew up in rural Manitoba and is now living in Vancouver.
The cast also includes Sheila Campbell (The Editor), Dorothy Carroll, Aaron Merke (The Pinkertons), Logan Creran (Wait Till Helen Comes), Krystle Snow (Intersection), Talia Pura (Bad Meat), Michael O’Sullivan (Careful), and more still to be announced.
"Farpoint Films is one of Manitoba's most innovative and fastest growing production companies. We are proud to support this project - the first feature film for talented local director John Barnard," said Manitoba Film & Music CEO & Film Commissioner Carole Vivier. "Created by an all Manitoban cast and crew, Menorca will showcase the province's fertile talent base while creating fantastic employment and training opportunities."
Production begins June 22 and goes until July 10 in Winnipeg and surrounding areas before moving to Menorca, Spain.
