Sherman story screened at Edmonton Film Festival

By Aaron Taylor

EDMONTON — There are many ways to deal with tragedy.  For Akash Sherman, son of the recently elected leader of the Alberta Liberal party Raj Sherman, refuge was found in the arts.

Sherman is a 16-year-old Strathcona high school student whose film, For Them, For You, a short film that deals with the death of his grandfather, has been selected to be shown at the Edmonton International Film Festival’s Our Own Backyard event on Oct 1.

Sherman, along with Zachary Vydra, who is responsible for scoring the film, and Tim Choy, the lead actor who plays six different roles, began the film as a school project, but it quickly became much more.

Film has been a hobby of Sherman’s for quite some time.  “It’s an expensive hobby,”  Sherman said. “But there’s nothing I’d rather spend my money on.”

It is this passion that allowed him to finish shooting the film in a marathon 13-hour session.  The task was both physically, and emotionally taxing for Sherman.

The film focuses on a boy, played by Choy, who must come to terms with losing a possession that is very dear to him.

“[My Grandpa] died in March, and we started writing in May, so it was still very emotional.” Sherman said. “I probably cried like, a hundred times.”

Vydra, whose grandfather had also recently died, was in a similar emotional state during the production of the film.  “I generally express my emotions through music.”  Vydra said.

It was this ability to express themselves artistically that allowed the film to be a cathartic experience for Vydra and Sherman.

While Vydra is not sure what this project will mean for his future, Sherman has high hopes and high ambitions.

“Directing a feature is my dream,”  Sherman said.  “Editing and directing is where my talents lie.”

Of the 82 submissions to the Our Own Back Yard event, only 26 were accepted.

The EIFF will be playing films at various locations in the city, including the Haven Social Club at 15120 A Stony Plain Road, until Oct. 1.

For Them, For You will be airing Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. at the Garneau Theatre at 8712 109 St.