YORKTON - 'Driver’s Licence' co-writers/directors/producers Lynette Piper and Karla Weber are among the finalists for the Ruth Shaw Best of Saskatchewan Award at the upcoming Yorkton Film Festival.
“Hearing that ‘Driver’s Licence’ was nominated for the Ruth Shaw Best of Saskatchewan Award is a dream come true,” offered Piper. “Yorkton is the longest running film festival in North America, and it carries a lot of weight with independent filmmakers.
“Plus, to be nominated amongst your peers in your own backyard is really special. The competition in this category is fierce!”
Piper also noted that it is interesting as filmmakers in the province generally know each other.
“The other nominees are my filmmaker friends and colleagues. The judges have a tough decision ahead,” she said.
The nomination is Piper’s second at the YFF. Back in 2022, her short film, ‘Out Standing in His Field,’ was nominated for Best Short Film under 30-minutes.
“It’s the story of an elderly man with dementia who escapes the nursing home and winds up back on his former wheat field,” related Piper.
“While I didn’t win at Yorkton, the whole experience gave me the confidence to apply for the 2023 CBC Short Film Face O, competing against emerging filmmakers from across Canada. I was a runner-up in that competition and gained national TV exposure with my film. The film was a labour of love project based on my own grandparents’ experiences with the land and with dementia. I have a real passion for telling seniors’ stories.”
Now with ‘Driver’s Licence’ Piper said she took on “another passion project and loosely based it on a late family member’s experience with aging and driving. I’m so excited to bring this story to the screen in Yorkton!”
‘Driver’s Licence’ is the story of an elderly man who must navigate a major life transition after a series of driving mishaps results in a loss of licence.
“The story is personal on many fronts,” said Piper. “It’s loosely based on a late family member’s experience behind the wheel. And just last year, we had to have an intervention to convince my elderly father that it was time to give up his licence.
“Driver’s Licence is filled with heartache, humour, and hope. It reminds all of us that while we can’t escape aging, there IS life after driving—if we have the courage to accept and embrace this inevitable life transition.”
Piper said there is emotion in the film, which resonates across a wide spectrum of viewer.
“The film’s greatest strength is its ability to appeal to all ages,” she said. “We all can relate to a parent or grandparent going through the end stages of their time behind the wheel. It’s not easy. This film is a family affair, and the grandchildren in the film play a key role in getting Grandpa to realize there is life after driving.”
Of course, creating a film is never a totally smooth operation.
“The most challenging aspect of this film was the sheer size of this production—the biggest project I’ve ever undertaken,” said Piper. “Knowing the enormity of what I was facing, I brought my best friend and writing collaborator, Karla Weber, on board. Together we were able to accomplish the unthinkable with this short film.
“We had 63 actors—principal and background, along with 23 crew.
“Another challenge was dealing with all the permits and paperwork required to shut down two major thoroughfares in Regina to shoot the accident scenes. That’s not something many short filmmakers take on. Getting this film to the finish line aged me, but seriously, it was so worth it!”
But, it was all worthwhile.
“I’ve loved this film from its inception more than three years ago when I started mulling over the idea of putting the story on screen,” said Piper. “It’s been a labour of love ever since, and I’m so proud and excited to have it showcase at Yorkton . . .
“I love telling seniors’ stories. I am a ‘woman of a certain age’ who took up film making later in life. I believe seniors are an under-served demographic when it comes to film making, and it’s a void I want to fill. I want to move beyond stereotypes. I see my film making as a way of championing the rich and complex lives of our elders.”
Now a YFF win would be great.
“Winning Yorkton would be huge because I know the other filmmakers and they’re all incredibly talented creatives,” said Piper. “Yorkton is a highly prestigious event and the highlight of any filmmaker’s career. Having your film showcased at this festival is a very big deal.”
Due to film festival guidelines, you can’t upload your film to YouTube or another site when your film is still showing on the festival circuit, said Piper. Adding “I have big plans for 'Driver’s Licence' so stay tuned.”
The festival is slated for May 22-24 in Yorkton.
