Narrative · 2026

The Letter

Director · Executive Producer · Editor

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The film

Two estranged sisters return to their late mother's home at Christmas and find one final letter waiting for them.

The approach

Intimate performance, warm practical light and restrained camera movement keep the story close to Clare and Maggie as the letter forces the conversation they have avoided for years. Harrison Mendel's cinematography, a practical home location and a compact crew made the piece feel built rather than overproduced.

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Project details

Release: 2026
Category: Narrative
Tags: Narrative Harrison Mendel DP ARRI Kelowna

About the film

A Christmas drama built around two sisters.

Set almost entirely inside their late mother's home, the film stays close to Clare and Maggie as grief and one final letter bring years of distance to the surface.

James directed, executive-produced and edited the scene. Kelowna Film Studios handled the wider production logistics for the two-day shoot.

Watch Public YouTube link IMDb title The Letter KFS production The Letter on Kelowna Film Studios Festival Okanagan Screen Awards Saturday films

Recognition

Selected - Okanagan Screen Awards, 2026

Selected — Okanagan Screen Awards, 2026

Additional credits

Starring: Marie Ashwood
Starring: Shatille McInnes
Writer: Marie Ashwood
Director: James Alton
Director of Photography: Harrison Mendel
Executive Producers: Gavin Baird · Shatille McInnes · Marie Ashwood · James Alton
Associate Producer & 1st AD: Nina Bournival
Art Director: Marina Ragimova
Art Department: Becca Wagner
Set Decorator: Charles Hadrian
Script Supervisor: Damon Gregory
1st AC & Gaffer: Artur Gajda
Key Grip: Matthew Che'z
Location Sound: Nathan Peacock
Key Hair Stylist: Errin Meridian
Key Makeup Artist: Lena Chizhova
Transport Captain: Gavin Baird
Catering: Nancy Chapman · Jill Jackson
Crew Energizer & BTS Photos: Mari Summers
Editor & Post-Sound: James Alton
Colorist: Levi Price
VFX: Milton Muller / Gneiss Stuff
Music Licensed By: Epidemic Sound
Sponsored By: Lynda Rosa & Gabriel Gosselin Alice Kuipers & Yann Martel Stone Sisters Luckhurst Farm & Distillery
Gear Provided By: Think Farm Productions
Five-Ton Truck Support: TFPR 5-Ton Grip & Lighting Truck Package
Gear Provided By: Kelowna Film Studios
Location Courtesy: Gavin Baird & Shatille McInnes