The sophomore feature film from filmmaker Alexander Carson, Alberta Number One, is generating buzz for its unique portrayal of Alberta's museums and roadside attractions while defying easy categorization in the cinematic world.
A Film That Defies Classification
Despite some initial confusion on platforms like Wikipedia and IMDb, Alberta Number One is neither a mockumentary nor a film where actors play themselves. In an interview with Postmedia from his Toronto home, Carson clarified the misconceptions surrounding his ensemble comedy-drama. The film has earned acclaim and enjoyed a successful festival run, including being named one of 10 must-see films by the Chicago Sun-Times during its screening at the Chicago Film Festival in 2024.
The film is currently touring Canada with special screenings, including a hometown premiere in Calgary at The Plaza Theatre on Wednesday. Carson explained that while performers brought elements of themselves to their roles and contributed to the story, they are playing fictional characters specifically written for them.
Exploring Alberta's Unique Attractions
Alberta Number One follows a documentary crew as they film various museums and roadside attractions across the province. The narrative captures characters who appear lost and disengaged from their project, with underlying tensions and private dramas gradually emerging. Albertans will recognize numerous real locations featured in the film.
The production visited authentic sites including:
- The Fort Museum in Fort MacLeod
- The Nickle Galleries at the University of Calgary
- The Museum of Miniatures in Nanton
- The mysterious museum advertised on Two Hills' welcome sign that never seems to be open
Notably, the film includes real curators and guides from these attractions, though all participants understood they were participating in a fictional film rather than an actual documentary.
Blending Fiction and Documentary Elements
Carson describes his approach as creating a fiction film about the documentary process. The film maintains a respectful tone toward the featured attractions, avoiding easy laughs or editorial commentary when showing the crew filming earnest curators at places like the Gopher Hole Museum in Torrington or the Creation Science Museum in Big Valley.
The film's satirical edge appears directed more toward academia than the museums themselves. Most crew members, including the somewhat flaky university professor leader Vanessa (played by Liz Peterson), demonstrate unclear methodology and lack academic rigor in their documentary project. The naive assistant Naomi (Ingrid Vargas) constantly asks questions that nobody seems interested in answering.
Carson's background in academia informs this perspective—he currently serves as chair of the Bachelor of Creative Arts program at Yorkville in Toronto and holds two master's degrees along with years of experience as an instructor, professor, and program chair.
The ensemble cast includes Benjamin Carson, Bebe Buckskin, Kris Demeanor, Ingrid Vargas, Randall Okita, and Liz Peterson, all bringing their unique talents to this distinctive Canadian production that celebrates Alberta's cultural landscape while exploring the complexities of documentary filmmaking.
