An award-winning documentary shot by Lake City Pictures in the Central Okanagan is now available for streaming.
When Life Hands You a Pandemic, directed and produced by mother-daughter duo Wendy and Renee McAlpine, features the story of how three local solopreneurs navigated COVID-19.
“The strength of the three stars and the beauty of the Okanagan shine in this film,” Wendy said. “I think that is what has gotten it so much international attention.”
The film encompasses the trials and tribulations faced by forager Scott Moran, artist Nikki Litowski and beekeeper Jennifer Dirks Krezan, answering how they coped as self-employed professionals in the depths of the pandemic.
“Throughout the filming process, Wendy and Renee somehow were able to bring me out of my shell,” Jennifer told NowMedia. “They are doing valuable work in our community.”
When Life Hands You a Pandemic was accepted in 21 international film festivals and won awards in five of them, including Stafford Film Festival, Paris International Short Film Festival, GLIFF Golden Lemur, Hollywood on the Tiber Film Festival, and 8 & HalFilm Awards.
“I think Renee and Wendy are truly amazing women that are so deserving of this global recognition,” Jennifer added. “Although they are gracious and have given us the credit for being featured and studied, I feel they need to be seen and heard so that they can continue on this important journey.”
The McAlpines, who are also residents of Kelowna, were responsible for makeup, editing and writing during the filming process.
Three financial advisors at Raymond James, including Rita Faber, Francis Cheng and Rick Adrian, donated $6,000 for the project’s budget.
The Kelowna documentary about reinvention and resiliency was picked up by Prime Video in the USA and UK.
In Canada, When Life Hands You a Pandemic can be viewed on Tubi here.
