Film

Welcome to Paradise

Screenplay by Deborah Willis

Directed by Brandon Ripley

Sleepless Pictures

Based on the short story “Welcome to Paradise” from The Dark and Other Love Stories, this short film explores the intense friendship between two friends who combat an endless summer of suburban boredom by breaking into neighborhood houses and flirting with pizza delivery guys. When events occur that threaten to push the two from girlhood into adulthood, it's all too much for one of them.

CAST:

Hannah - Jess Nahikian
Lielle - Maria May
Codie - Mickey Roberts
Brodie - Brian Lucas
Mr. Koren - Phil Nee

CREW:

Screenwriter - Deborah Willis 
Director | DP - Brandon Ripley
Executive Producer - Alyssa Achuff
Producer - Haley Finnegan
Associate Producer - Deanna Ripley
Art Director - Rena Bears
Set Designer - Bridget Blake
Gaffer - Tony Sur
Key Grip - Levi Wilkinson
1st AC - Albert Elmazovski
2nd AC - Jessica Arena
Sound Mixer - Michael Moote

THE WEATHER

Screenplay by Deborah Willis

Directed by Vanessa Wenzel

Produced by Prairie Kitten Productions

Starring Kris Demeanor, Siobhan Cooney, Natalie Marshall, and Tori Darr.

Based on the short story "The Weather" from Deborah Willis' book Vanishing and Other Stories (finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award), this short film follows the influence that a city girl has on the lives of an aging cowboy, Braden, and his daughter, Edith. Braden's wife Nina left him and their rural Albertan home after a tornado wreaked havoc on their farm. Heartbroken, Edith and Braden attempt to continue their lives as usual until Edith befriends a new student: Rae. Rae's parents moved her out to the country to get her away from some bad habits she picked up in the city. Braden and Edith welcome Rae into their home despite Braden's concerns about the influence Rae will have on his daughter. He neglects, however, to recognize the influence Rae has on him.