REGINA - Sawyer Willey is only 10 years old and has already won an award for an acting performance in a short film.
Willey grew up with two parents who were actors, so she was always backstage and around theatres. Her mother, Krista Konkin, described her as a "theatre kid" in a way.
While her parents never forced Willey to become an actor, she found the idea of becoming an actor to be interesting.
When Willey was six, she auditioned for a SaskTel Christmas commercial. Willey managed to land a role in the commercial and described the experience as "super fun." She said the best part of the commercial was "seeing it all come together" and having the commercial played on screen at the movie theatre before the main film started. After that experience, Willey realized she wanted to do something like this again.
Willey started going to Sterling Productions, a local theatre company in Regina, where Willey has starred in a few plays produced by the company.
Around that time, Willey had learned she had an audition for a short film called Gymnastics. She did not have a lot of time to practice between learning about the audition and the day of it as she headed into the room to start her audition.
She went into the room with another actor who was also auditioning for the role, did some scenes, and was given feedback for her audition.
Willey hoped she had done enough to star in the film and later found out she got the lead role. Willey was in shock and could not believe she earned the role as the lead actor in the film.
Konkin was thrilled for her daughter but said she was not shocked. Konkin said Willey is very good at acting, adding her daughter is "particularly strong on camera."
At that time, Willey was only an eight years old, preparing for her first lead role. Willey was playing the role of Nikki. The film is based on a true story that happened to the film’s director, Nikki Buziak.
According to the film's synopsis, the movie is centred around Nikki dealing with a bully while figuring out how to navigate a slippery situation during a gymnastics routine at the local rec centre.
Willey prepared for the film for two months, reading over the script twice a week. She described herself feeling scared but happy at the same time.
When the day came to start filming, Willey could not believe she was actually going to star in a short film.
Filming for Gymnastics took place over three days. On the first day, the filming was at Buziak’s childhood home in Swift Current, where her family was in attendance for the filming. A couple of shots for the film were taken there, and then filming took place at a school in Regina Beach to capture the gymnastics scenes for the film. Willey described the entire experience as "really nice."
It took over a year for the film to be released from the moment it started filming. Gymnastics was starting to be featured in different areas around the world, including London.
Willey said it was "really, really cool" to hear the film was screened at different places around the world.
The film was also played at the IndieX Film Fest in Los Angeles, and Willey won the award for Best Child/Young Actress at the festival for Septemper 2024.
Willey was unable to attend the festival due to travel expenses. Because of this, she learned about winning the award from her mom.
When Willey found out about her award, she could not believe it. She felt her hard work had paid off and told her friends about her award.
Willey also gave credit to everyone on set, mentioning the film looked like a movie you see at a regular movie theatre from the graphics and music.
Konkin knew Willey had nailed her role in the film, as she saw Gymnastics in Regina this summer. She said one particular scene in the movie with Willey blew her away.
Konkin added she was glad her daughter was recognized for her performance and hard work.
Willey could also be nominated for the 2024 Best Child/Young Actress award from all the festivals IndieX held during the year. Each month, filmmakers around the world attend the festival that happens in Los Angeles. After the year ends, the festival combines all the participants from the past 12 months and nominates films and actors for the annual awards. Those will be announced in Jan. 2025, with the winners announced later in the year.
As for what Willey is currently up to, she is looking for new roles in any potential films through her agent.
Willey is also preparing for her role in the School of Rock, the Musical in Regina, between Dec. 17-19 at the Conexus Art Centre.
Willey is unsure if she will keep acting as a career, but she is interested in trying alot of new professions, including voice acting. Konkin said if her daughter decides not to act anymore, she will be okay with it because she cares most about what Willey wants to do.
As for where to watch Gymnastics, the film will be available online in the future.
