by Dennis Page, Contributor
Never Ever, a short film directed by W.J. Mouat Secondary high school student Nicole Provost, won big at the 2012 Surrey International Film Festival.
The 17-year-old filmmaker was recognized as the festival's best director, while Never Ever was named best high school film and was awarded the best of festival against all other competition, including post-secondary films, submissions from local film schools and international selections.
Provost was surprised at the success of Never Ever, as it was her first attempt at making a movie, which follows two friends who make a vow to never grow up or stop having fun, but life throws them a curve ball.
Provost says she was motivated to try filmmaking after hearing about the Surrey International Film Festival last year, when another local student from Yale Secondary won an award for best animation.
Provost says the idea for her script came from one of her favourite movies – "A League of Their Own."
Richard Toews, a judge for the festival, said Never Ever had unanimous support as the clear winner.
"It is a very sophisticated film for someone that young."
The lead actress in Never Ever, Katelyn Mager, also won the best actor award.
"It was really well done, the story flowed well and there was a good emotional connection," said festival organizer Glen Chua.
In addition to the awards, Provost will get her movie submitted to other film festivals and Never Ever will be screened in Beverly Hills at the Charles Aidikoff Theatre as part of the Emerging Filmmakers Forum.
Provost is planning to take film studies at UBC this September.
The Surrey International Film Festival is now in its sixth year, the creation of former film students, Chua and Toews, as a way to interest high school students in filmmaking and bring exposure to student and independent films.
To view the short film Never Ever, visit http://vimeo.com/45116867