Flankers

On the eve of a storm in rural Newfoundland, feuding fishermen are forced to set aside their conflict when an emergency arises.

Creative team

Writer/director: Justin Oakey
Producers: James Vandewater, Justin Oakey

Filmmaker’s statement

The word ‘flankers’ is a common expression on our island for the burning embers that pop and escape from a fire. Much like rogue embers, the feuding characters of this film stray with the intention of igniting new fires.

As a Newfoundlander, my intention is to present a sincere and cinematic portrayal of rural Newfoundland. This is not so much a commentary on the morality of feuding but the idea that, regardless of their personal conflicts, people in rural areas must work together to survive.

The film was shot in the communities of Ochre Pit Cove and Northern Bay, with all of the sets being the homes and workplaces of my family and friends – many of these people also served as inspiration for the events in the film.

After a decent festival run and some significant play online – we were chosen as a Staff Pick on Vimeo – I’ll be expanding on some of the same ideas from this short in my debut feature, set to go into production in February.

About Justin Oakey

Justin Oakey is an award-winning filmmaker from Newfoundland raised on hunting, fishing and storytelling.

His work is atmospheric and tense with a quiet sense of naturalism.

He holds a BFA in film studies from Ryerson University.

With shorts The World Is Burning and Flankers, he brought his vision of rural Newfoundland to festivals around the globe. He is currently gearing up to shoot his first feature Riverhead.