An independent feature directed by a UWindsor film professor with the help of dozens of students will enjoy its world premiere next week.

Mike Stasko also shares writing credit and stars in the science fiction thriller The Control. It will be shown April 26 at the 51st WorldFest-Houston Film Festival, following with screenings April 27 at Detroit’s Motorcity Nightmares Film Festival, and May 10 at the Nice International Film Festival.

The Control is nominated for four awards in Nice; Stasko is up for best director and best screenplay.

The film was shot entirely in Windsor in 2015, with more than 25 UWindsor students and another 15 Windsorites on crew.

Erik de Paulsen served as gaffer and said he couldn’t have asked for a better internship placement.

“The new skills I learned, the equipment I used, as well as the creative practical effects all helped me to learn more about my position on set,” he said. “This hands-on experience was my best way to learn.”

Christina Bresolin agrees, saying she is “beyond grateful” for the opportunity to help as an associate producer and second assistant director.

“The three weeks I spent on set provided me with valuable experience and lots of great memories,” Bresolin said. “Working on this film has allowed me to gain the on-set experience I need to prepare me for a career in film.”

Stasko said the production company is hoping to show the film to Windsor audiences later this year. Watch the trailer here: