Skeet is a 2024 Canadian drama film written and directed by Nik Sexton.Mark Robins, "2024 Atlantic International Film Festival to feature the world premiere of three Atlantic Canadian films". Halifax Presents, July 29, 2024. The film stars Sean Dalton as Billy Skinner, a stereotypical Newfoundland skeet from St. John's who is trying to make a fresh start after a stint in prison. He befriends Mohamed (Jay Abdo), a recent refugee from the Syrian civil war who is learning to adapt to Newfoundland society.Kelly Townsend, "AIFF unveils three world premieres for 2024 festival". Playback, July 25, 2024. The film received nominations at the 2024 Atlantic International Film Festival and the 13th Canadian Screen Awards.
Cast
Production Sexton stated that the film was initially set out to be "a really dark [...] Newfoundland noir film," but the plot significantly changed when he met some refugees in a low-income housing area while location scouting. As the film focuses on the experiences of a refugee in St. John's, Syrian Newfoundlander Eyad Sakkar was hired a story consultant; he had suggested that Abdo take on the role of Mohamed.
The film was shot in 2023. While in Canada working on the film, Abdo spoke of the urgent need for international aid following the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes."Syrian Actor Pleading to International Community to Put Aid Before Politics". VOCM, February 13, 2023.
Distribution The film was screened for distributors in the Industry Selects program at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.Kim Izzo, "Two Canadian features chosen for TIFF Industry Selects progamme". Playback, August 15, 2024. It had its public premiere at the 2024 Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF).
Awards At AIFF, Dalton won the award for Outstanding Performance, alongside Mary-Colin Chisholm in the short film The Kitchen Sink, and Nigel Markham won the award for Best Atlantic Canadian Cinematography.Brendyn Creamer, "All the winners of the 2024 Atlantic International Film Festival". The Coast, September 17, 2024.
The film won the People's Pick award at the 2025 Canadian Film Festival.Jamie Casemore, "Darkest Miriam wins Best Feature at CFF". Playback, April 1, 2025.
Dalton received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Lead Performance in a Drama Film at the 13th Canadian Screen Awards in 2025.Samritha Arunasalam, "Here's who is nominated for the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards". CBC News, March 26, 2025.
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