Edmonton filmmaker invited to Sundance

Edmonton filmmaker Trevor Andersons film, The High Level Bridge, is going to the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in the United States.

The short film combines dark humour and the taboo subject of suicide with stark images of the Edmonton landmark. Anderson said he wrote it in memory of those who have jumped.

"When I say in the film that everyone around here knows at least a couple of people who have jumped, I said it to see if it sounded true," he said.

"I know a couple of people who have jumped. Once I made the film, I had people coming up to me saying, 'Youre right.'"

The film was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this year. Anderson said he isnt sure why The High Level Bridge is drawing so much attention.

"I thought I was making a film for the people who live within a seven block radius of the mouth of that bridge," he said. "I thought I was making for my friends and the people who knew whom I was talking about.

"Unfortunately suicide is not a local topic."

At first, Anderson said, he thought it was a terrible idea to make the film, and he was on the verge of abandoning the project throughout.

"I think we dont talk about certain things, because theyre difficult. But if we can get ourselves talk to about them then I think its our responsibility to talk about these things."

Sundance will open doors

Sundance will give Anderson instant credibility and will open doors for future films, he said.

He's currently writing a feature-length film while looking for financial support.

"When I go to people for funding whoever it may be,arts councils or potentially for international co-productions it kind of gets you the meetings," he said.

"Once you have the meetings, it's down to the idea, of course."

The High Level Bridge is being featured in the international documentary short category. The Sundance Film Festival begins Jan. 20.