ELORA – The Briski brothers are diving headfirst into acting, landing starring roles in a movie that premiered at the Gorge Cinema on March 2.
U12 Divers features the siblings as brothers who have just been transplanted to a new town as the family is facing some financial challenges.
They meet some kids, realize they have a common interest in diving, and the group comes together to help their new friends raise enough money to join the team.
It’s sweet, wholesome, and all about kids helping kids.
The 55-minute film, which is now available to watch on YouTube, is a passion project for Sterling Johnston, who wrote, directed and produced the film.
Johnston, who lives in Alma, got the movie bug when he was in kindergarten, and he’s been at it ever since.
“I was writing a feature film in Grade 3, filming on Super 8 film,” he said.
He got more serious about it and in 1983 got a job as a key grip on Vision Television. That exposed him to life behind the scenes and he realized he wanted to be behind the camera.
Maryn Heasman interviews fellow cast member Neo Briski before the premiere. Photos by Duncan Hossack
And while his career took him other places, he’s been pumping out movies on his YouTube channel for many years, funding projects on his own with assistance from donors, and enjoying the process.
For children with an acting bug, Johnston’s films are a great way to build a resume.
That’s what Ezra Briski says he’s doing, anyway.
Ezra plays the lead in U12 Divers.
“Right now, I like these smaller films for my resume,” he said in an interview at the family’s home in Elora after the excitement of the premiere had died down.
He appears in school plays “for practice” but his heart is in film.
“I hope to get recognized, and I will work my way to the top,” he said.
His brother Wynston, 10, enjoys making the movies but hopes to become a soccer player one day.
Neo, 8, hopes to be a soccer player, too. Or a doctor.
All three boys were taking diving lessons when Johnston put out a casting call for kids who can dive.
The movie also features Sydney Heasman, Maryn Heasman and Conan Bauer.
Co-producer Michael Bednarski, left, with writer, producer and director, Sterling Johnson before the premiere. Photo by Duncan Hossack
They were cast in the film – then COVID hit, so the project was put on hiatus.
Johnston ramped it up in 2022 and shot the movie last summer.
Eagle-eyed viewers might recognize some of the locations, as it was shot in Elora, Alma, Guelph Lake, Brantford and Belwood.
There’s plenty of diving and also bike riding and hijinks at a beach.
“The best part for me was the beach and eating cake,” Wynston said.
“The best part for me was meeting new people,” Ezra said. “I enjoyed it. It was a good time.”
There’s a scene in the movie when Ezra tells his brothers to shut up. That was his favourite scene to practice at home.
“I’d yell the line then yell ‘I’m just practicing mom,’” he said with a laugh.
Melanie Schaffer, the boys’ mother, sees acting as an opportunity to learn new skills and build character.
“It builds confidence,” she said. “It’s good for public speaking. There are so many applications beyond movies.
“It was a proud moment to see the film at the theatre. It brings tears to my eyes, really.”
The film can be watched on Johnston’s YouTube channel, Sterling Johnston Films CA.
