Silas, Sadie and Frank are back on The Rez

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"Sexy, light and witty," is the description given to a new mini-series currently being filmed at the Waksauksing- Parry Island First Nation in northern Ontario.

Filming of The Rez started on Sept. 25 on the series inspired by the critically acclaimed Bruce McDonald feature film, Dance Me Outside.

The mini-series continues to look at the lives of the popular characters created by W. P. Kinsella. The six half-hour comedy dramas are co-produced by CBC Television, Yorktown and Shadow Shows.

The series tackles the personal issues that characters face through the writings and experiences of Silas, played by Ryan Black.

"If I had to summarize the show in one sentence it would be fun, fun, fun, I guess," said Black.

"The series is basically more funny stories about the people and life on the reservation as seen through his (Silas) eyes."

The Rez has attracted some interesting talents to the production, including co-writers John Frizzell and John Wheeler.

Frizell was thrilled to return to the Parry Sound area as supervising producer. The heavy on-location filming demanded great support from the small community of approximately 450 people.

"The people here are wonderful. I hope to have a long run with this series so we can keep coming back."

Council member and part-time court registrar Dora Tabobondung took on the job as local extras director and brought together a number of fascinated onlookers to play background parts.

"People are a bit timid around the camera, but once shooting started they came out.

Jennifer Podemski returns to her role as Sadie. She is joined by Lisa La Croix and Keven Hicks as Illiana and McVey. Darrell Dennis joins the cast as Frank Fencepost.

The series also includes Monique Mojica as Mad Etta and veteran actor Patricia Collins as the outrageous Eleanor Nanibush, a role created especially for her.

The Rez is produced by Brian Dennis. The executive producers are Bruce McDonald and Norman Jewison. Expect to see the mini-series on CBC-TV in early 1996.