Achi news desk-
A new film shot locally features a Halifax actress making her big screen debut.
Nova Scotian actress Riley Reign stars in “Hailey Rose”, a funny, tragic yet heartwarming story.
The film is a big break for Reign, who happens to be the only Maritimer in the main cast.
“I definitely felt like, ‘Okay, I had a chance to show up and I had to do my best because I’m working with people who are very seasoned professionals,'” Reign said in an interview with CTV’s Katie Kelly on Friday.
Filming of “Hailey Rose” took place in various parts of Nova Scotia, including Chester and Hubbards. The film also had a Maritime crew behind it, which Reign says really shows.
“I think there’s a lot of true Nova Scotian charm.”
Reign plays one of the main roles in the film as Hailey’s partner, Syd.
Directing the film is fellow Nova Scot Sandi Somers.
“She’s also a queer woman, so I’m thinking about coming back and writing about queerness in small towns and like coming home as an adult when you’re out and living your truth and what that dynamic is like,” she said. Reign.
“So I think there’s a lot of truth in it that comes from that honest place.”
The front cover of the movie “Hailey Rose” which is in theaters now. Inclusion also shines throughout the film, seeing it in many different forms.
“Multiple disabilities were represented, which was nice, and also the gender spectrum was represented as well,” Reign said.
The film begins when Hailey gets a frantic call from her sister to return home from out west for her mother’s funeral.
“She gets back to Nova Scotia and her mother is still alive, so it’s all a ruse. There is some family drama,” Reign said.
“They’re often the voice of reason, I think because they’re outside the family dynamic, they kind of come in and be like, ‘This is how all families operate,’ ” said Reign.
“Hailey Rose” is now available in select Cineplex theaters nationwide now, including the Parklane theater in Halifax.
