Vancouver Island-based Rogue River Films has started production on the Telus original feature documentary Northern Stars.

Métis filmmaker and Rogue River co-owner Todd Forsbloom’s 75-minute doc follows Indigenous Olympian Sharon Firth (pictured) as she – now in her 70s – embarks on a cross-country skiing challenge to honour the passing of her sister, Shirley. The twins were the first Indigenous women to represent Canada in the Winter Olympics from 1972 to 1984.

Northern Stars is produced by Erik Virtanen, Rogue River’s head of production and development, who also serves as writer. Rogue River co-owner Jim Shockey is onboard as executive producer.

The film will shoot across B.C., Alberta, and the Northwest Territories until December. It will hit the festival circuit before premiering on Telus in 2026.

Northern Stars is made with the financial participation of Telus originals.

Image courtesy of Rogue River Films