Niagara teacher, actor Stephanie Jones scoops award at New York film fest
For Stephanie Jones, it’s an award for a movie filmed in what now feels like a lifetime ago.
Last month, the Niagara College acting professor won the Best Supporting Actress award at the New York International Film Festival for the gritty “EFC,” about the world of women’s mixed martial arts and boxing. It’s a movie she made while living in New York six years ago — the part was written specifically for her by director Jaze Bordeaux.
“I mean, since I filmed it, my father passed away, a pandemic happened — these big seismic shifts have happened in my life, so at first it’s like, ‘Right, I remember that,’” said Jones, who co-founded Essential Collective Theatre in Niagara.
In the film, Jones plays Donna, a stubborn fight promoter who sets out to elevate women in a maledominated sport. She wants the sport to prosper but is protective of its participants. Jones said it’s the same sentiment she takes to creating shows or teaching.
Winning an award for work she did half a decade ago was both surprising and satisfying.
“Not only for yourself, but for the people who worked on the film,” she said. “That your work somehow served the story. They invested in me when they gave me the role of Donna and I am glad they see a return on that investment.”
As a teacher, Jones specializes in the Meisner Technique — a series of exercises created by actor/teacher Sanford Meisner to practise concentration and freedom at once. After a stint in New York, she’s back teaching full time at Niagara College.
“I find it fulfilling to teach emerging students, but it is a challenge to juggle teaching and stay connected to your own artistic growth,” she said. “When I am doing it right, these two things flatter each other.”
The film’s rugged subject matter was never an issue for her. As the daughter of a rugby player — and a former roller derby competitor herself — she was well-versed in “competitive sport violence.”
“I was happy that (the film) depicted women in sport. I remember once when I was on set, how amazing the makeup crew were. Looking over at (co-star) Karlee Cassidy and seeing how realistic her bruised face was. All I kept thinking was that they were artists and movie magic is nothing but exciting.”
Up next for Jones is a play (“The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”) and a pursuit of her PhD at the University of Guelph in the application of the Meisner Technique.
“EFC” will premiere in Canadian theatres this fall.