The world premiere of feature film 'Still Alive in Kingston' presented to a full house at the
Kingston Canadian Film Fest KCFF'25 on March 2nd at the Kingston Grand Theatre.
Writer/Director, Jay Middaugh's 2nd made in Kingston film, showcases the leading man, Bill Welychka melding fact with fiction all throughout this comedic production that is built loosely on Mr. Welychka's
MuchMusic career as an entertainment journalist.
It takes you on a rollercoaster ride from stardom to loss to his return, as #BillsBack!
Photos by Production Assistant and BTS Photographer, Conlan Sleeth.
This film has a strong back to the future kind of feel as you see Bill Welychka
trying to recreate nostalgia and his iconic past
thanks to the assistance of his former flame Amy (Anna Sudac).
Director, writer and film maker, Jay Middaugh from Happy Kid Productions shares that
'Still Alive in Kingston' is his follow-up to his 2017, 'Live In Kingston'.
"Still Alive in Kingston is really a celebration of the whole Kingston arts scene," explained Middaugh. "We want to take this movie across Ontario and across the country. Having Bill in the movie and his character's point of view of Kingston lets us tell the story
of the Kingston music scene in a way that will relate to everyone."
Part of Middaugh's motivation behind both Live in Kingston and the newly released follow-up film is to help expose Kingston acts to an audience who may not get the chance to see them perform live.
"We're really spoiled in Kingston
with how many great bands there are," remarked Middaugh."
"A project like this takes all those great live (Kingston) bands
and puts them in a movie theatre where people can watch them."
QUOTED by Jay Middaugh from KINGSTON LIVE! INTERVIEW
Quote from Bill Welychka's Facebook:
"Best part of film for me? The Tragically Hip's Rob Baker shows off his incredible acting abilities! Ohhh...and all the awesome musicians
from Kingston that make up the film's thread."
Photo from 'Still Alive in Kingston'
Middaugh's film, 'Still Alive in Kingston' included the ever engaging talents of
Oakridge Ave., Kasador, Kakaow, Abby Stewart, Emilie Steele & The Deal, Keaton,
Monach, The Wilderness, Lu Luella, Anthea Feaver, Miss Emily, The Gertrudes, Lucious, Frank Ryan, Piner, with Emily Steel & The Deal, with
cameo appearances by fellow MuchMusic VJ Rick Campanelli
and The Tragically Hip's Rob Baker.
“I wanted to make something about Kingston that could have legs to go other places,
and certainly having Bill in it (helps that). His story is a Canadian story, not just a Kingston story,” Middaugh suggested. “The idea is to expose these bands beyond Kingston.
We wanted to make a movie that was able to do that.”
QUOTED FROM INTERVIEW with THE KINGSTON WHIG's Peter Hendra.
Comparing this film to his real life, I found similar traits regarding Bill's ability to bounce back and recover from a setback or difficult experience. His belonging, perspective, acceptance, hope, and humor are the pillars of his everyday resiliency,
allowing him to reinvent himself while finding his peace and happy space once again.
For me, I found this at first, hard to watch, as I felt bad, because I personally know Bill and the wonderful impact his incredible career has made on 10s of thousands of artists
world-wide, and I know how he helped shape Canada's entertainment history.
But knowing it to be comical and loosely based around his past career,
I was able to enjoy the energy and talent that poured into each scene.
I was honored to be a background person in this film alongside
my bff, Arlene and to see the film with much success, warms my heart.
Professionally pieced together with top quality actors, breathtaking views of Kingston's beautiful scenic surroundings, and mind blowing performances, job well done!
Stay in tune with Still Alive In Kingston as it comes to town film festival nearest you!
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