Mayor MacPhee officially welcomes They Who Surround Us production to Vegreville

Coley Media Sandra Coley

(Vegreville) – The production team of They Who Surround Us received an official welcome from Mayor Tim MacPhee, on behalf of Town Council and the citizens of Vegreville on Friday, Sept 6, 2019.

They Who Surround Us, a full-length feature film written and directed by Troy Ruptash (formerly of Vegreville), tells a powerful story of intergenerational trauma, where the past haunts a young Alberta farmer who is dealing with incredible grief after the sudden loss of his wife.

From the forests of Ukraine where the UPA struggles to keep the Ukrainian identity alive, to the rich farmland of the Canadian Prairies, Ruptash is delighted to have his hometown featured in telling this story.

“I started working on this project last summer with my mom and dad, Lillian and Larry Ruptash, and my two sisters, Deserrie Ruptash and Lara Ruptash Fess. This journey has brought me closer to them, my extended family and to the community of Vegreville,” said Ruptash.

MacPhee notes that the film itself has generated much excitement within the community.

“They Who Surround Us has been talked about in our community for over a year, and we are thrilled to see this project come to fruition,” said MacPhee. “We are excited to see the portrayal of the struggles and successes of the Ukrainian settlers that help shape and build our community.”

Ruptash, who will also act in the movie, has assembled an incredible team, many with connections to Vegreville. Award-winning producer, Rosanne Milliken (nee Yakimchuk), as well as executive producers Grant Wilde, Tim Nawrot and Wil Hergot, have all signed on to the production.

MacPhee said, “It is only fitting that this story will be told by one of our own, and we cannot be prouder of Troy and Rosanne for all their accomplishments. Congratulations to Troy and company and we cannot wait for the premiere.”

The production team also includes: accomplished cinematographer Kamal Derkaoui, executive producers, Jason Kropp and Nathan Kropp of Sherwood Park, co-producers Sandy Wilde of Calgary and Scott Bailey of Vancouver, and associate producer Janice Krissa-Moore of Edmonton.

Approximately 40 crew and cast members are expected to be in Vegreville over the course of filming, beginning in mid-September, utilizing local hotels, restaurants, gas stations and amenities. It is anticipated that the movie will be ready for film festivals and distribution in 2020.

Anyone interested in learning more about the movie, can visit the official website or follow along on social media.