What better way to commemorate Remembrance Day than to attend a preview screening about an important WWI battle? Author, Director and Cinematographer Aaron Huggett brought his film, "The Ace and The Scout" to nearby London, Ontario for a final peek before its eventual release.
Its focus is the 3 day 1918 battle of Orix Trench in Northern France. Canadian Ace Billy Bishop (72 victories) goes on a recruiting tour and convinces a pair of lifelong friends to enlist. They, in turn, end up in the same unit as legendary Anishinaabe sniper Francis Pegahmagabow (300+ confirmed kills). Vastly outnumbered by their German foes, the Canadians have to survive the onslaught for 3 days without food, ammo or reinforcements. An illuminating closeup look at trench warfare.
Afterward, the Director and some cast members took questions from the audience. The history behind the film was meticulously researched. Huggett even traveled to France so he could precisely recreate the site of the battle here in Ontario. Telling stories that otherwise might be lost is a major driver for him. He spent considerable time interviewing the Pegahmagabow family and obtaining their input on the script. In Canada, as in the US, wartime contributions of its indigenous warriors are too often forgotten. The author views "Peggy" as the heart of the film.
I really enjoyed this film. From my perspective, altering just a few aspects of it might have resulted in even better storytelling. Although interwoven throughout, I think the snippets about Billy Bishop are a distraction. As Huggett said, "The Scout" is really the heart of this film. I personally would have liked to have seen more about Pegahmagabow as opposed to Bishop. Additionally, many of the actors appeared to have come from stage rather than cinematic acting backgrounds. Directing them toward more subtle, natural action would have improved the film. An exception is Adam Mezei, who was simply stunning in his portrayal of the sadistic German officer Klaus von Lettow-Vorbeck.
Filmakers who write, direct, produce and act as cinematographer are rare. The aerial sequences and landscape shots were spectacular. Aaron Huggett deserves enormous credit for bringing his vision to the screen on a shoestring budget. Although he declined to be specific, The Ace and The Scout cost just over $1M CAD to make.
The Ace and the Scout has already travelled to film festivals all around the world. Clearly, there's a universality to this film that resonates beyond Canada. It has pulled in a warehouse full of awards from as far away as the UK, Italy, India and Australia. Distribution particulars are being worked out presently. Watch for a public release in 2023.
Its focus is the 3 day 1918 battle of Orix Trench in Northern France. Canadian Ace Billy Bishop (72 victories) goes on a recruiting tour and convinces a pair of lifelong friends to enlist. They, in turn, end up in the same unit as legendary Anishinaabe sniper Francis Pegahmagabow (300+ confirmed kills). Vastly outnumbered by their German foes, the Canadians have to survive the onslaught for 3 days without food, ammo or reinforcements. An illuminating closeup look at trench warfare.
Afterward, the Director and some cast members took questions from the audience. The history behind the film was meticulously researched. Huggett even traveled to France so he could precisely recreate the site of the battle here in Ontario. Telling stories that otherwise might be lost is a major driver for him. He spent considerable time interviewing the Pegahmagabow family and obtaining their input on the script. In Canada, as in the US, wartime contributions of its indigenous warriors are too often forgotten. The author views "Peggy" as the heart of the film.
I really enjoyed this film. From my perspective, altering just a few aspects of it might have resulted in even better storytelling. Although interwoven throughout, I think the snippets about Billy Bishop are a distraction. As Huggett said, "The Scout" is really the heart of this film. I personally would have liked to have seen more about Pegahmagabow as opposed to Bishop. Additionally, many of the actors appeared to have come from stage rather than cinematic acting backgrounds. Directing them toward more subtle, natural action would have improved the film. An exception is Adam Mezei, who was simply stunning in his portrayal of the sadistic German officer Klaus von Lettow-Vorbeck.
Filmakers who write, direct, produce and act as cinematographer are rare. The aerial sequences and landscape shots were spectacular. Aaron Huggett deserves enormous credit for bringing his vision to the screen on a shoestring budget. Although he declined to be specific, The Ace and The Scout cost just over $1M CAD to make.
The Ace and the Scout has already travelled to film festivals all around the world. Clearly, there's a universality to this film that resonates beyond Canada. It has pulled in a warehouse full of awards from as far away as the UK, Italy, India and Australia. Distribution particulars are being worked out presently. Watch for a public release in 2023.
