Local journalist releases documentary highlighting Red Deer’s spirit of giving back to the community

That realization led to the inspiration behind a new documentary directed and produced by Proietti, The Currency of Contribution, her first such initiative. It can be viewed on Telus Optik TV Channel 9, as well as on the Telus StoryHive YouTube channel.

Produced with the support of Telus StoryHive, The Currency of Contribution was filmed entirely in the city of Red Deer from November 2022 to May of 2023, with the help of fellow local journalist Sean McIntosh, and cinematographer Ryley Surian, of Red Deer, though all three wore many hats throughout the production.

The six-part docuseries dives into a wide range of topics that showcases the many sides to Alberta’s third-largest city. From service clubs and volunteerism, to philanthropy, and sports and recreation. But it also acknowledges the community’s diversity, and the many challenges some Red Deerians face, such as homelessness, addictions, and the far-reaching ripple effects they create.

According to Proietti, it’s the people of Red Deer, however, that make it such a strong community.

“People’s reputation in the community seem to be not by how much money they had or what they did for a job or anything like that, but really about, what they did to contribute back into the community,” she explains. “Sometimes I would need help with something, and somebody would say somebody’s name and then other people would say that person’s name and they were just known for helping others, and I’ve never seen anybody known for helping others. That seemed to be a common, reoccurring theme in this city, so I wanted to highlight that in the documentary.”

“It’s like, somebody finds their passion, and they find a way to contribute to others through that passion,” she suggests.

Proietti admits, Red Deer’s many service clubs have made a strong impression on her.

“I thought it was a cool experience for people to come together strictly for helping others,” she exclaims. “People are always fundraising for charity events or donating. I mean, everything was a reason to raise money for others.”

Other featured topics include homelessness and poverty, as well as sports and recreation.

“Everybody’s involved in some sort of sport here in Red Deer, which is pretty cool,” she laughs out.

Red Deer’s ethnicity and diversity were other areas of focus for The Currency of Contribution.

“One thing I noticed in Red Deer is that there actually are a lot of cultures, and they form all kinds of events and they like to congregate together. Red Deer is filled with all kinds of people, that kind of surprised me the most,” says Proietti.

She acknowledges The Currency of Contribution touches on some controversial topics, and some stereotypes, but ultimately highlights the many positive aspects of Red Deer.

Proietti says the high degree of support and engagement received from those who were interviewed during filming, was yet another testament to the spirit of community in Red Deer.

“Everyone was just pumped and wanted to be a part of it in any way that they could,” she points out. “And coming from a big city where everyone is always hesitant or skeptical, this was a nice, pleasant surprise that everyone was like, yes, interview me!”

“What I learned about Red Deer is how to be a better person,” confides Proietti. “Sometimes I catch myself trying to be like, how can I help you? Or what can I give to you? Asking myself the questions that I saw people ask themself through the documentary. How can I help others? How can I help others first?”

Proietti hopes all Red Deerians and people across Canada take the time to see The Currency of Contribution, saying there is much to learn about the community, and what it can offer.

“Thinking small is thinking big,” she explains. “A lot of people think there is less opportunity in a smaller city, but in reality, I’ve learned there can be more if you want it.”

“More opportunity to build deeper relationships, to learn and try multiple aspects of a job, to make a name for yourself, to build a portfolio,” she continues. “Those seized opportunities will lead into bigger ones. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I believe the journey is even more important than achieving the goal because of what you gain along the way.”

Proietti says The Currency of Contribution is a project both she and her team are very proud of.

“I’m really proud of putting this together while juggling so many other things. Learning how to ski, living on my own without any family around to help me. Just balancing all that and putting something that’s like two hours long out there for the world to see, I’m super proud of that. This is just the beginning of what I think I can do.”

Proietti thanks Telus StoryHive for offering the opportunity, providing online courses, and its financial support towards The Currency of Contribution.

“Thank you to StoryHive and my teammates. My teammates have been excellent. I could not have done this without them, that’s for sure. And all the people that supported me. My parents, my colleagues, the mayor, just everybody!”

See more on Proietti’s documentary by visiting her Instagram, @alessia_pro.ductions.

by Sheldon Spackman

Local journalist releases documentary highlighting Red Deer’s spirit of giving back to the community

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