For Brij Berry, who has been teaching math in Prince George for over 65 years, educating is everything.
Known better as Mr. Berry, he is the subject of a new documentary by 6ix Sigma Productions premiering this Friday (Nov. 8) at the Prince George Playhouse.
The documentary, which is aptly titled Mr. Berry, tells the story of the long-time Prince George math teacher.
Producer Jason Hamborg says the film is a look into what it means to dedicate your life to one singular thing and an exploration into what Mr. Berry’s impact means to the community.
“I think the thing that is so interesting about him is that singular approach to his life,” says Hamborg in an interview with PrinceGeorgeMatters. “We wanted to dig a little deeper and I think the thing that is defining about Mr. Berry is just how much teaching means to him.”
Mr. Berry was Hamborg’s math tutor when he was a student in grade 10, and after he and director Daniel Stark discovered Mr. Berry was still teaching all these years later, they decided Mr. Berry’s story should be told.
The film offers insight into Mr. Berry’s approach to life and also features interviews from a number of people who’ve been taught by Mr. Berry or who have known someone he’s taught.
“I think people are just appreciative that the story is being told because Mr. Berry’s impact on people is kind of unique and similar at the same time,” says Hamborg.
He adds it’s important to remember how lucky we are in the community to have people like Mr. Berry.
“For ourselves, one of our big goals in the type of work that we are trying to do is to bring a sense of pride and excitement to everyone in Prince George,” says Hamborg, adding that Mr. Berry’s story is important locally, but it also has universal themes that can impact audiences beyond the city limits.
“I am hopeful that we have been able to make something that anyone can watch and be able to learn something from and have some takeaways from.”
Hamborg says Mr. Berry was honoured to be a part of the documentary but still doesn’t think of himself as remarkable.
"That’s another thing that’s great about Mr. Berry, he doesn’t think of himself at all of any sort of impactful person," says Hamborg. "His motives, in his mind, are almost selfish because he just gets so much enjoyment out of teaching, that’s why he wants to do it."
The film will premiere with two exclusive showings at either 6 or 8 p.m., this Friday.
Ticket sales from the premier will also go towards establishing a University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) bursary for math students in Mr. Berry’s name.
The documentary was made possible through Telus, who funded the production of the film.
“Their support of filmmaking and creators across the province allowed us to take some funding, come up with an idea and see this thing through,” says Hamborg.
After the premier, Mr. Berry will be available to watch online, beginning Nov. 12 and it will be available through Telus’ OnDemand platforms.
