Full Circle Moment for Filmmaker Troy Ruptash

Full Circle Moment for Filmmaker Troy Ruptash

Full Circle Moment for Filmmaker Troy Ruptash during Movie Premiere in Vegreville

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Standing outside the Capital movie theatre in Vegreville before the premiere of his movie ‘They Who Surround Us’ in the early evening on August 26 Troy Ruptash could not contain his excitement.

Troy’s husband Craig, parents Larry and Lillian Ruptash, sisters Lara Fess and Deserrie Ruptash, numerous aunts and uncles, friends, cast members, and other invited guests all walked the red carpet before entering the movie theatre during the invitation only event.

Brett Kissel and Troy Ruptash.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

When asked what it all meant to him, Troy raised his arms halfway putting his hands close to his ears as if he was trying to process all of his emotions during what can only be described as a remarkable full circle moment.

“It’s difficult to even take it all in because it feels like I’m just surrounded by so much love. And so much support. And you know I used to see movies here as a kid, and now to see the poster for my movie and to be back with my parents and family, everyone, it’s amazing. It’s amazing!”

Country music sensation Brett Kissel was one of Troy’s special guests and said it was a huge honour to be chosen to write a song for his movie. Kissell remarked, “When you have somebody of Troy’s background and especially with his local connections I was honoured. Grant Wilde, one of the executive producers of the film is a very good friend of mine from Spartan Controls and it really came full circle.

Crowd cheers the arrival of Troy Ruptash.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

So, when they described the scene, it was a great creative exercise and so I was really, really excited. I’ve never done anything like this before so when I submitted my first draft I expected it would go through 5, 6, 7 drafts, and Troy called me right after, and was like, this is exactly what it needs to be. So, I was so honoured.”

Ruptash responded by saying, “Craig and I were listening to it and we were crying and tears flowing down our eyes. Oh my God, I can’t believe it. It was amazing. We were so moved by it and it captured exactly what I was looking for in terms of what is happening in the movie at that point.”

He added that, “Working with him, (Kissell) was incredible… It was an honour to have him be part of the film.” The title of Kissell’s original song is: ‘I Want to Remember You This Way.’

Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee walked the red carpet with his wife Kathy. He remarked after the event, saying, “What a wonderful evening it was. Show business comes to Vegreville.”

MacPhee said he is so proud of the community, and that the whole journey that began when Troy pitched his idea to the residents of Vegreville. “From the local investors to the businesses to every day folks of ourcommunity who helped in any way they could to make this happen.“

Larry and Lillian Ruptash with son Troy Ruptash head for the red carpet.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

I hope that others in the film industry may look at our community as a great place to make a film as well. I’d also like to thank Troy for coming home to make this movie and making it such a positive experience for our town.”

Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk said it was an honour to participate in the screening of the movie.

“This movie had a great story behind it, but I must say recognizing local individuals and sites added to my interest. I know Troy and his team worked very hard in creating this movie, and it was apparent that it was a labour of love. His parents, Larry and Lil, and the residents of Vegreville are very proud of this achievement. I highly recommend the movie and also would like to add, you may need a tissue or two.”

Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs stated, “It was unreal seeing on a movie screen the people and places that are so familiar. I thought the landscape, lighting, and scenes would stand up against any Hollywood movie.

I was struck by how many wide ranging and complex themes it touched; history, faith, culture, families, rural life and mental health issues. The depth of the issues ‘They Who Surround Us’ highlighted was extraordinary. Troy called it his love letter to Vegreville, to his family and ancestors, to Ukrainians, and it really was; its important work, and the whole community can be very proud.”

Larry Ruptash commented that Troy doesn’t watch things happen, he makes things happen, and many people are left wondering what will come next for Vegreville’s hometown hero.