Documentary series will focus on local stand-up comedian and his home
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on August 20, 2024.
asmith@medicinehatnews.com Medicine Hat local and stand-up comedian Josh Haskett will take a look at the city and his day-to-day with dwarfism in the upcoming documentary series, A View from the Beltline. Haskett, alongside his daughter Pacey Haskett, have been selected to receive a $10,000 grant from the TELUS STORYHIVE Voices Program. This is one of 70 projects across Alberta and British Columbia receiving funds, and the only one in southern Alberta. Their story, which will be largely filmed within the city for a six-part documentary series, will largely be filmed in Medicine Hat. “I’m so grateful for this incredible opportunity from STORYHIVE to bring our story to life,” said Haskett. “Medicine Hat has been our home for years, Pacey was born and raised here. I’m thrilled to showcase our community, its people and the unique perspectives my daughter and I share.” The series will follow the lives of both Hasketts closely, exploring the challenges faced by both members navigating a world built with average-height individuals alongside the more familiar realities of being a single father, dating past the age of 40, or simply being a 15-year-old girl in high school. The project will also receive the expertise of fellow local and seasoned filmmaker Robin Hunter, who previously directed Everyday Girl in 2022. Haskett said he is deeply excited to be working alongside Hunter, and that “Robin’s storytelling ability and vast experience make him the perfect partner to help bring our vision to life.” The first episode of A View from the Beltline is expected to premiere in fall of 2025 on TELUS Optik TV channel 9 and Stream+. 9-8
