Letters from the Front Lines: Vancouver Riot

A Filmmaker’s Choice

Hi everyone. I am a filmmaker here in Vancouver and I have a story about my night during the Vancouver riots.

My day started bright and early. I knew I wanted to make a film about this day as it doesn’t really get any better than game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Well, overtime would have been the cherry on top, but I digress…

After the game ended, I was at home in Kitsilano, but something was drawing me back downtown to film the post game events. I was downtown after game 7 of the 1994 Canucks / Rangers series, so I knew this would probably be just as crazy.

I told my friends, “Well there’s no way there will be riots this year. I’m sure the police have prepared well in advance for this year.” But as soon as I crossed the bridge, I saw a car on fire. I was shocked. I was more shocked at the mob of people filming the car with their cell phones. I had my top of the line 3 CCD HD Video Camera and a little devil on my shoulder told me to go film it too. “There’s lots of money in riot footage! Get in there!”

Then this other voice in my head woke me up and said, “The last thing that mob needs is another person filmming whatever.”

Well, little did I know that the choice I made would affect my life forever. I took a step back out of the mob and I headed into a peaceful crowd that was talking with each other about the game. I decided to interview fans about their most memorable hockey moments, and everyone was very receptive. Normally I have a hard time finding people that want to be interviewed, but on this night, everyone wanted to talk to my camera. I got some great stories and I even met someone who is now what I consider one of my best friends.

I think back to the moment I was in the mob watching the car on fire. If I had decided to film the riot, I would have got caught up in the non-stop action of violence and I probably would have never approached anyone from the peaceful side of the line. I would not have met my new friend either.

Now as I watch my documentary and the interviews I shot that night, I realize that I have a new focus in life. My focus is now to always lean towards the positive side of things. Even though I could have made a quick buck shooting the negativity of the riots, I was able to find some positive people and I was rewarded big time. The documentary is so good and it’s getting even better. All the steps I have taken have led me to meet some great people with amazing words… plus I can’t believe all the new friendships I’m making. I am working on lengthening it further to try and get it into the Vancouver Film Festival in September.

Take a peek at what I’ve got so far and please leave your comments on YouTube: