An annual Saskatoon-based independent film festival featured some local talent last weekend.  

Dead Prairies Productions brought the only Canadian movie to the screen for the 2023 Dark Bridges Film Festival held at the Broadway Theatre.  

Devon Oman, creator and director of the production company, said the film that was picked was The Killer Balloon.  

“I've been going to Dark Bridges Film Festival for a few years now checking out independent horror films and I'd be sitting there watching, thinking, it would be cool to have one of my films here one day,” he said. “And to actually be involved and have my film on the screen, is a dream come true for myself, Dead Prairies Productions, and the cast and crew absolutely loved being involved.” 

Cast members Chyanne Forester, Jarod Johnson, and Corey Schimmel were also in attendance with Oman for the showing on Saturday evening. 

As the credits rolled, folks who gathered to watch even gave the crew a standing ovation. 

“It made me tear up a little bit on stage,” Oman added. “Dark Bridges Film Fest had posters from every movie that they had, and people were buying them asking us for autographs—which shocked us a lot. It's very cool for all of us involved; every time [we were] asked for an autograph, we were like, ‘Really?’ We never expected that.” 

Dead Prairies Productions was recently featured at the Terriblefest 666, taking home the Golden Tape Award for the same film.

"Thank you [to everyone] who keeps supporting us through the years, from all over Saskatchewan, all over Canada," he said. "I feel like there's even more growth happening for Dead Prairies Productions." 

Cast members include: 

Jarod Johnson 
Darnelle Bahnuick 
Chyanne Forester 
Corey Schimmel 
Elizabeth Zazalak 
Scott Winecooler 
Devon Oman 
Kelly Ann 
Jacob Heinrichs 
Cole Girodat