Kettle and Stony Point First Nation is gearing up to premiere a new comedy series called Rez Cops, which originated from an idea three years ago. Kettle Point Productions, the creative team behind the show, aimed to bring humor and shed light on unique stories not often seen on screen.
Christina Clark from Kettle Point Productions expressed, “We have amusing and engaging stories to share.” The series, directed and written by Leigh George, follows an enthusiastic new police recruit finding himself stationed at his home reserve precinct, seeking adventure but encountering a quiet town instead.
The public screening of Rez Cops will take place for the first time at the Night Sky Theatre Indigenous Arts Festival on August 22 at the Kettle and Stony Point Pow Wow grounds. The event will offer food vendors, a round dance, and live music.
Leigh George emphasized, “We wanted to portray a positive outlook on life and showcase a crime-free environment in the reserve. The focus is on the characters’ interactions rather than crime.” To ensure authenticity and respect, the creators consulted with the Anishinabek Police Service in Kettle Point.
The production received support from the local community, with many individuals participating in acting or production roles for the first time. Despite starting with a modest grant from the Ontario Arts Council, additional funds were raised from the community, showcasing strong community support and enthusiasm for the project.
The event will commence at 6:30 p.m. with free admission, leading to the screening of the six 10-minute episodes at 9 p.m. It serves as a tribute and appreciation to the community for their overwhelming support and involvement in bringing Rez Cops to life.
