Skeet (film)
| Skeet | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Nik Sexton |
| Written by | Nik Sexton |
| Produced by | Mary Sexton |
| Starring | Sean Dalton Jay Abdo |
| Cinematography | Nigel Markham |
| Edited by | Kirk Ramsay Aaron Van Domelen |
| Music by | Andrew Staniland |
Production company | Rink Rat Productions |
| Distributed by | Rink Rat Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 104 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Languages | |
Skeet is a 2024 Canadian drama film written and directed by Nik Sexton.[1] The film stars Sean Dalton as Billy Skinner, a stereotypical Newfoundland skeet from St. John's who is trying to make a fresh start after a stint in prison. He befriends Mohamed (Jay Abdo), a recent refugee from the Syrian civil war who is learning to adapt to Newfoundland society.[2] The film received nominations at the 2024 Atlantic International Film Festival and the 13th Canadian Screen Awards.
Cast
- Sean Dalton as Billy Skinner, the eponymous "skeet" who seeks to turn his life around after three years in prison
- Jay Abdo as Mohamed, a Syrian refugee who becomes Billy's close friend
- Kate Corbett as Leah Locke, one of Billy's neighbours
- Sean Panting as Jim Rossiter, a social care worker
- Lawrence Barry as Frank, one of Billy's neighbours
- Terry Ryan as Gus, one of Billy's neighbours
- Garth Sexton as Leo, the leader of a local crime ring
- Fadia Afashe as Fatima, Mohamed's wife
- Mahmoud Thome as Hamza, Mohamed and Fatima's son
- Wendi Smallwood as Mae, Billy's mother
- Jackson Petten as Brandon, Billy's son
- Steve O'Connell as Tony, the manager of a chicken plant
- Carter Churchill as Timmy
- Patrick Dempsey as Eddie
- Darryl Hopkins as Gerard
- Alexis Koetting as a social worker
- Gina Squires as Shelley
Production
Sexton stated that the film was initially set out to be "a really dark [...] Newfoundland noir film," but the plot significantly changed when he met some refugees in a low-income housing area while location scouting. As the film focuses on the experiences of a refugee in St. John's, Syrian Newfoundlander Eyad Sakkar was hired a story consultant; he had suggested that Abdo take on the role of Mohamed.[3]
The film was shot in 2023.[4] While in Canada working on the film, Abdo spoke of the urgent need for international aid following the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes.[5]
Distribution
The film was screened for distributors in the Industry Selects program at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.[6] It had its public premiere at the 2024 Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF).[2]
Awards
At AIFF, Dalton won the award for Outstanding Performance, alongside Mary-Colin Chisholm in the short film The Kitchen Sink, and Nigel Markham won the award for Best Atlantic Canadian Cinematography.[7]
The film won the People's Pick award at the 2025 Canadian Film Festival.[8]
Dalton received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Lead Performance in a Drama Film at the 13th Canadian Screen Awards in 2025.[9]
References
- ^ Mark Robins, "2024 Atlantic International Film Festival to feature the world premiere of three Atlantic Canadian films". Halifax Presents, July 29, 2024.
- ^ a b Kelly Townsend, "AIFF unveils three world premieres for 2024 festival". Playback, July 25, 2024.
- ^ Rossiter, Mike (14 September 2024). "A skeet by any other name". CBC News. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
- ^ "20 questions: Nik Sexton". The Telegram (SaltWire Network). 22 January 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
- ^ "Syrian Actor Pleading to International Community to Put Aid Before Politics". VOCM, February 13, 2023.
- ^ Kim Izzo, "Two Canadian features chosen for TIFF Industry Selects progamme". Playback, August 15, 2024.
- ^ Brendyn Creamer, "All the winners of the 2024 Atlantic International Film Festival". The Coast, September 17, 2024.
- ^ Jamie Casemore, "Darkest Miriam wins Best Feature at CFF". Playback, April 1, 2025.
- ^ Samritha Arunasalam, "Here's who is nominated for the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards". CBC News, March 26, 2025.