Skeet

Ex-convict Billy Skinner has often been described as a “skeet” (local Newfoundland slang for a foolish and aggressive petty criminal) and, to be fair, he was no angel, but after his release he wants to leave his criminal past behind him. 

He returns to his old neighbourhood in St. John's and discovers that the once quiet residential area is now dominated by drug trafficking and crime. While he tries to repair his relationship with his son, his neighbour Mohammed, a Syrian refugee, dreams of opening his own barber shop to give his family a better life. Both men struggle with feelings of being outsiders, and an unexpected friendship develops, which is not welcomed by everyone in the neighbourhood. Against the backdrop of an ongoing addiction crisis, Skeet tells a story of human connection that transcends cultural boundaries, of hope in the midst of adversity.

Skeet is the second film by Canadian director Nik Sexton, who also wrote the screenplay and filmed the story on location in St. John's, mostly with local actors. At the Atlantic International Film Festival, DoP Nigel Markham received an award for his stylish black-and-white cinematography, and Sean Dalton was also honoured for his role as Billy. The screening at the Northern Film Festival is a Dutch premiere.

Skeet will be screened twice during the festival: on Thursday as part of the collaboration with the Internationales Film Fest Emden-Norderney, and on Sunday, director Nik Sexton will be present for a post-screening discussion.